AO VET is a nonprofit organization that represents a global network of surgeons, scientists, and other professionals highly specialized in the field of veterinary surgery of the musculoskeletal system. ;xNLx;;xNLx;The AO VET educational events give veterinarians the tools necessary to deliver high-quality care for orthopedic cases in a peer-to-peer interactive learning environment, whereas eLearning provides flexible training opportunities. Additionally, AO VET faculty is required to complete periodic educator programs that help them more effectively deliver educational content. ;xNLx;;xNLx;AO VET is the voice and professional resource for individuals working in the field of veterinary orthopedic trauma and reconstruction as well as musculoskeletal disorders. The AO VET community embodies a culture of teaching and learning, combined with research and development. As the only worldwide academic community in veterinary medicine that delivers innovative educational and research opportunities, AO VET created a membership to give veterinarians a core group of individuals with whom to communicate, not only to solve clinical problems, but also to enhance their training and career. After attending an AO VET educational event, becoming a member is the means to joining the AO VET family and sharing our passion for veterinary surgery.
On November 6, 1958 the AO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen) was established at the Hotel Elite in Biel, by a group of Swiss surgeons—Maurice E Müller, Robert Schneider, Hans Willenegger, Martin Allgöwer (pictured 2nd from left), and Walter Bandi—who came together to champion revolutionary techniques of internal fixation that achieved unprecedented results in healing bone fractures.
The first undertaking of the AO founders—Maurice E Müller, Robert Schneider, Hans Willenegger, Martin Allgöwer, and Walter Bandi—was to find a suitable place to conduct research. Davos was selected as the location and the previous tuberculosis facility run by Alexander Spengler in Villa Fontana was identified as the ideal place for the newly established Laboratory for Experimental Surgery (LECD, Labor für experimentelle Chirurgie Davos). Allgöwer was its first director. Each of the AO founders made significant financial contributions towards the start-up costs for the AO's first research facility, known since June 1992 as the AO Research Institute Davos (ARI).
Led by the AO founders Maurice E Müller and Martin Allgöwer, 69 surgeons attended the first AO Davos Courses and learned new techniques in trauma surgery. The four-day course was organized by the AO Laboratory of Experimental Surgery (LECD, Labor für experimentelle Chirurgie Davos).
In December 1960, in a move to protect Robert Mathys and the AO, Synthes AG Chur is established to coordinate instrument production, represent them to the medical community, and distribute profits. Peter von Rechenberg crafted the wording. The 5 Founding Fathers owned the 50 shares.
The AO established the AO Technical Commission (AO TC System) as the institute responsible for the development and approval of innovative surgical techniques, implants, and instruments. The AO TC System is medically guided by independent surgeons who are responsible for the development and clinical testing of new devices. Today the AO TC System consists of the TC Executive Board (TC EB), Technical Commissions, and Expert Groups for trauma, spine, craniomaxillofacial, and veterinary surgery.
Mathys, Straumann and Synthes AG Chur sign an agreeement. Mathys had Asia and Africa. Straumann had North America. They shared Europe.
First AO manual published, some of the AO Principles and equipment could be transferred directly to veterinary surgery.
Björn von Salis meets Fritz Straumann, a passionate horseman and dog owner, when one of his dogs becomes sick. Straumann and his father founded a metalurgical research institute to improve watch design. He was since 1960 already working with the AO founders.
One of the first equine long-bone (MCPIII) osteotomy repairs was successfully carried out by Von Salis, Perren, Datwyler, Guggenbuhl and Straumann. Maxlie
That same year (1968) they taught at the AO Davos Courses.
AO VET was founded by Björn von Salis, Fritz Straumann, Ortrun Pohler, Hans Willenegger, Urs Guggenbühl, Peter Dätwyler, Geri Kasa, and Feri Kasa.
One of the first documented AO VET small animal clincal cases treated by Geri Kasa using AO implants; Spitz dog with broken femur and scapula.
Wade Brinker, Hugh Butler, Bruce Hohn, Jacques Jenny and Don Piermattei were all in attendance.
The first AO VET course was held in Bettlach, Switzerland.
First ever AO VET course in the USA was initiated by Bruce Hohn (a human course would follow the AO VET lead the following year); start of Columbus, Ohio course tradition. Key faculty included Bruce Hohn, Wade Brinker, Jacques Jenny, Marvin Olmstead, and Al Gabel. In the second photo, professor Jacques Jenny, University of Pennsylvania (left) and Howard Rosen, Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the NYU School of Medicine / Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, a treasured friend of the veterinarians (right).
First French AO VET course held in Davos; annual courses in Courchevel from 1987 onwards.
After courting Howmedica and Smith, Kline & French, the Fathers and Straumann establish Synthes USA to take over North American distribution. But without a distribution network, business initially tanks.
Developed in Davos and Columbus
US sales increase from $2M (1975) to $13M (1980) to $30M (1984) to $64M (1987) to $434M (1998).
In Waldenburg, Switzerland. Dr Dieter Prieur served as Executive Secretary from 1976 to 1991 (seen here with Dr Gary Clayton-Jones (right), a past president of AO VET from the UK.
In 1977, Hans Jorg Wyss assumes responsibility for Synthes USA and a factory is built in Colorado." Matthys and Straumann cede the US market to Synthes USA. Wyss invests and insists on US courses. Martin Muller resigns from the AO Board.
Developed in Columbus.
Manual of Internal Fixation in the Horse, by Gustave Fackelman and David Nunamaker.
Maurice E Müller developed the definition fracture classification system for long bone fractures.
Manual of Internal Fixation in Small Animals, edited by Wade Brinker, Bruce Hohn, and Dieter Prieur.
Those present include surgeon and industry representatives.
The AO's headquarters, known as the AO Center, opens in Davos.
First AO VET member, Jörg Auer, is elected to the AO Foundation Board of Trustees.
The AO VET Center is moved from Waldenburg to the University of Zürich under Jörg Auer - with the able assistance of Monika Gutscher.
Second edition of Manual of International Fixation in Small Animals, Marvin Olmstead and Co-Editor Bruce Hohn.
Buyout of the Straumann business (Stratec) by Synthes USA. Synthes-Stratec sets up its head office in Switzerland.
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