Extraordinary achievements

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, ARI contributed significantly to an extraordinary 2020 for the AO, with a new record high of 116 publications (compared to around 70 in a typical year). At the same time, its publications’ average impact factor increased to 4.5, compared to 3.5–3.6 in a normal year, and the institute received CHF 3.2 million in extramural funding in 2020.

In parallel, the institute licensed its groundbreaking tissue engineering technology, Sound-Wave Induced Morphogenesis (3D SIM), to the newly created mimiX biotherapeutics from Switzerland. SIM is a gentle, fast, and easy method used to generate multi-cellular, spatially orchestrated tissue constructs using sound waves. It has excellent potential for use in operation rooms in the future due to its speed, and as no needles are involved in the printing process, there is no fluid stress on the cells printed and consequently no cell damage or death.

Further proof of ARI’s groundbreaking work was a study published in eCM Journal, showing that ARI’s thermoresponsive, bioresorbable hydrogel—used in combination with systemic antibiotics—cleared MRSA in 100 percent of sheep studied, compared to 50 percent with conventional IV therapy and cement releasing antibiotics. Moreover, ARI in 2020 underscored its innovation legacy with the launch of OSapp, an interactive, virtual osteosynthesis software tool and learning platform. The app is aimed at surgeons, helping them understand the biomechanical concepts underlying the principles of fracture fixation.

Honoring a research pioneer

Seventeen papers of 64 submitted were accepted for publication in a special “In Tribute” edition of Injury, honoring the late Prof Stephan M Perren, an AO founding father and senior scientific advisor. The special edition was published in January 2021. Perren, who was globally renowned for his strain theory explaining tissue deformation as a critical mechanical factor that controls bone healing, died on November 21, 2019. A mentor of ARI Director Geoff Richards, Perren was a strong advocate for the freedom to explore in research in order to discover true novelties that could be developed and translated.

AO Research Institute Davos: research with impact

ARI is recognized as a research leader in Switzerland, Europe, and the world. ARI's purpose is advancing patient care through innovative orthopedic research and development. Explore a selection of ARI's notable research published in 2020.

AO Trauma: Leading the way in research

Learn more about the latest research from AO Trauma in 2020 and find out more about what AO Trauma research opportunities could offer you.

Leveraging technology to bring scientists together

While the pandemic slowed many research activities around the world due to physicians’ increased focus on COVID-19 patients in 2020, obstacles to recruiting patients for clinical studies, and the scarcity of face-to-face meetings due to travel restrictions, AO Trauma leveraged technology to conduct the Ninth Annual Meeting of AO Trauma Clinical Priority Program (CPP) Bone Infection entirely online on September 17, 2020. Under the leadership of Prof Steven Kates, MD (principal investigator, Richmond, Virginia, United States) and Prof Edward Schwarz, PhD (coprincipal investigator, Rochester, New York, United States), CPP project leaders presented the latest updates.

Kates reported that the CPP has produced a large number of publications and attracted extramural follow-on funding, and he presented his new study on the prevention of surgical site infection after trauma (AO POSSI). Participants also heard from several other scientists—including researchers from the AO Research Institute Davos (ARI)—about their research on topics relevant to the CPP.

Research milestones from AO Spine

Learn more about the latest research from AO Spine in 2020 and its comprehensive approach involving surgeons, health care professionals, and patients.

Assessing COVID-19’s impact on health care professionals

As COVID-19 gripped the world in 2020, AO Spine surveyed over 900 spine surgeons worldwide to assess the impact of the virus on spine care professionals as well as variations that may exist geographically. The World Health Organization has requested outcomes of the study for future planning.

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Telemedicine: evaluating spine surgeons’ perspectives, practices

With telemedicine adoption accelerating worldwide in 2020, AO Spine’s global online survey of nearly 500 spine surgeons spotlighted the value of an international spine organization in describing and responding to changes in practice patterns and how we might establish “best practices” as a field moving forward.

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The cutting edge: artificial intelligence and machine learning

Spine surgeons and researchers in 2020 took part in the first-ever AO Spine event focusing exclusively on spine applications for artificial intelligence and machine learning. The webinar showcased AO Spine’s dedication to harnessing the power of big data in spine surgery.

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AO Spine publishes first-ever spinal-trauma-specific outcome tool

The AO Spine Knowledge Forum Trauma in 2020 published the first universal outcome instrument specifically for spinal trauma patients. The AO Spine patient-reported spine trauma outcome measure (PROST) allows measuring and comparing different treatment options and is already available in English, Dutch, Slovak, Portuguese, German, French, Nepalese, and Arabic.

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The latest research in craniomaxillofacial surgery

Learn more about the latest research for AO CMF in 2020 and how AO CMF is at the forefront of personalization and innovation in its field.

MRONJ: evaluating treatment patterns of patients and their outcomes

This international, multicenter, prospective registry is collecting the treatment pattern data of approximately 500 patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).

OFx fracture registry: documenting current practice patterns

This international, multicenter, prospective registry addresses the prevailing lack of true consensus and guidelines on the treatment of orbital fractures (OFx).

TMJ study: evaluating a treatment of last resort

This 200-patient, international, multicenter, prospective registry is collecting data on patients treated with alloplastic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement, a relatively rare procedure.

BCFx: looking at bilateral condylar fractures of the mandible

Prospective data on fracture and treatment details, functional and patient-reported outcomes, and complications is being collected in approximately 250 patients with bilateral condylar fractures (BCFx) of the mandible.

MFx60: mandibular fractures registry continues

This international, multicenter, prospective registry is collecting data in around 200 patients over the age of 60 suffering from mandibular fracture (MFx60).

DMFx: investigating double mandibular fractures

This recently completed multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical investigation collected data from patients suffering from bilateral (double) mandibular fracture (DMFx).

Learn more about all the above AO CMF clinical studies here.

AO VET research in 2020

Learn more about the 2020 research activities of AO VET, a key driver of cross-pollination in the AO by leveraging innovation from human implants to improve patient care in veterinary surgery.

AO Global Data

AO VET in 2020 underscored its support for AO Global Data—the world’s most prestigious musculoskeletal data repository, with an abstract and a systematic review examining the available patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in small animal orthopedics.

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Advancing canine orthopedics

Additionally, AO VET provided funding to the AO Innovation Translation Center (AO ITC) to support development of PROMS for fracture repair in dogs, cats, and horses, and conducted a survey advancing canine orthopedics.

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AO VET Seed Fund Awards support research

True to its legacy of advancing veterinary surgery to improve patient outcomes, AO VET launched its new, 12-month AO VET Seed Fund Awards to support members pursuing research in musculoskeletal science.

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AO VET symposium bridges the gap

The AO VET Symposium—Bridging the Gap: Translating Clinical Research to Clinical Practice offered researchers the chance to present their clinical research to a wide audience.

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Also in 2020, AO VET advanced the Fracture Research Animal Models Database (FRAMD), awarding AO VET Research and Development funding to support final-stage rollout.