The AO has always been committed to the discovery and development of improved methods for fracture fixation and reconstructive surgery. This process is now more than ever dependent upon the involvement and contributions from the worldwide AO surgeons community as well as those from within the AO organization, such as the research and development groups in Davos.
In North America, Synthes has built a substantial product development organization which has all of the capabilities required for the development of new internal fixation devices. When you, as a member of AO North America, have an idea for a new surgical instrument or implant, you may contact your Synthes Consultant (or anyone else in the organization) to have your idea forwarded to the appropriate product development person for prompt follow-up. If you would prefer to contact someone at Synthes headquarters in Paoli, you should ask either for the President or the Director of Product Development for one the three divisions: Synthes USA (orthopaedic), Synthes Maxillofacial, or Synthes Spine.
The address for Synthes corporate headquarters is:
Synthes (USA)
1690 Russell Road
P.O. Box 1766
Paoli, PA 19301-0800
Phone 610-647-9700
Following your inquiry, the appropriate specialist from Synthes will contact you to discus your idea and decide how to proceed, whether a prototype should be made, etc.
No matter what we collectively decide to do, be assured that the product development groups are always interested in hearing from the AONA membership and finding new ways to collaborate.
In addition to generating a new idea, there are other ways of participating in the New Product Development process. One of the most important is as a clinical investigator. All new AO products are tested clinically to ensure their afety and effectiveness. Thus there is a continual need for clinical investigators. If you have interest in participating in a clinical trial, please contact the appropriate person above and identify your area of interest (e.g., hand surgery, pelvic surgery, etc.). A product manager will contact you when a clinical trial that matches your interests is planned.