DePuy Synthes companies announces five-year cooperation agreement with the AO Foundation

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Through the agreement, DePuy Synthes will be the key industry partner for the AO Technical Commission (AOTK) for each of its specialty areas, which include trauma and corrective surgery of the musculoskeletal system, spine, and related instruments and implants. The AO Specialties carry out research, development, clinical investigation and education.

The two independent organisations will collaborate on innovation and certification of new DePuy Synthes Companies products by AOTK that will then be used in AO educational activities. More than 200,000 health care professionals are expected to participate in AO programmes globally over the next five years.

The AO Foundation, founded in 1958, provides professional education to a global network of surgeons, operating room personnel, and scientists in more than 100 countries. Since DePuy Synthes and the AO began collaborating in 1960, a substantial investment has been made in research, development and education. In addition, training including direct hands-on courses has been provided to more than 450,000 surgeons and 150,000 operating room professionals from 124 countries around the world.

“The AO Foundation and DePuy Synthes have maintained a strong relationship for 55 years because of a shared passion for advancing patient care,” said Ciro Roemer, company group chairman, DePuy Synthes Companies International Markets. “Bringing together the unique perspectives of DePuy Synthes and the AO will help us accurately identify and effectively solve the most pressing clinical issues in musculoskeletal surgery and then teach clinicians to appropriately use those solutions.”