Starting the Network

Abstract

On 6 November 1958, 13 surgeons from different hospitals in Switzerland met in Bienne to found an association for promoting the systematic treatment of bone fractures. Together they set out to introduce a particular system of fracture care using internal fixation and early functional exercise. The idea was to do this as a close-knit group. All members of the group, which was given the name AO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen — Association for the Study of Osteosynthesis) would use the same standardised technique and equipment and keep in close contact, sharing their experiences so that they could learn from each other. In this chapter I will focus on the specific character of the group, trace it back to its origins and examine the role it played in spreading the AO technique.