The foundation is a non-profit, surgeon-led organization that aims to advance the field of trauma and musculoskeletal diseases through research, development, clinical investigation, and documentation, as well as education. To achieve this purpose, the foundation's assets and income are used in a supportive and promotional manner as follows: for the AO Research Institute in Davos; for the global dissemination of the AO concept; for research, development, clinical studies, and documentation, as well as education.