1960

The AO/ASIF forms a second industrial cooperation with the Straumann Institute. The AO/ASIF registers the product trademark "Synthes" and the rights for its intellectual property. As commercial licensees, Straumann and Mathys develop, produce, market and distribute Synthes products. This partnership is the basis for a highly successful development; the AO/ASIF, Mathys and Straumann become world leaders in the field of osteosynthesis.

1959

The AO/ASIF founds the laboratory for experimental surgery in Davos.

1958

Four prominent Swiss surgeons, Martin Allgöwer, Maurice E. Müller, Robert Schneider and Hans Willenegger, found the "Association for the Study of Internal Fixation AO/ASIF". These pioneers believe that the treatment of fractures can be drastically improved by means of surgical procedures and internal fixation with implants. They forge a strategic alliance with Mathys Medizinaltechnik, a company active in Swiss precision engineering, in order to develop and produce an integrated system of implants and instruments.