SYNBONE is a young dynamic Swiss company that was founded in 1988 and has since then been producing anatomical teaching models for trauma and orthopaedic surgery. Providing bones exclusively for the AO Foundation and its various institutions for over 10 years ensured that SYNBONE constantly grew and expanded. Since 1997 SYNBONE products have become commercially available to everyone and many new models have been added to our range. The production plant in Malans is ideally situated combining an attractive working location in the Swiss Alps with good connections to Europe and the rest of the world. How to find us.

From the very beginning I was involved in AO fracture treatment. In those days, we used human bones collected from anatomy and pathology departments. With the increase in demand, problems such as safety, preservation and transportation, as well as hygienic and aesthetical issues needed to be addressed.  
Stephan Perren had the brilliant idea of a realistic artificial bone and got in touch with the Swiss space industry. They had expertise in producing light-weight foam similar to cancellous bone to fill the ailerons of their rockets. Shortly following the experimental steps the growing need for artificial bones could not be met.  
To meet this demand SYNBONE was founded in 1988. The first challenge was not only to build a production line providing enough artificial bones, but also to fracture them in a standardized way. The task of fracturing the models was delegated to ARGO in Davos, a private institution enabling handicapped individuals regular employment as well as independent living. Even to this day, this solution is respected and demonstrates continued social responsibility.  
Since the beginning, I was privileged to accompany SYNBONE as Chairman of the Board. Concurrent with these exciting start-up years and the ensuing period of growth, AO Education became more and more sophisticated. Today the minimally invasive osteosynthesis (MIO) and computer assisted surgery (CAS) models with soft tissue covering the bone have become standard. Looking back on our first bone model in the 80's and seeing today's models makes me wonder what the models will look like 20 years from now.

Thomas Rüedi, Prof. MD FACS
Chairman of the Board

Who could have imagined that out of the very first request for “a plastic bone to teach doctors” such a thrilling story could develop and become the solid foundation for a company named after this synthetic bone?   In 1997 SYNBONE moved its production from Filisur to a modern building in Malans.
More sophisticated models are continually being requested, and simple bone models are now available with anatomical structures.  
To accommodate the ever-increasing demand on development, production and sales support, our team has grown substantially. We are currently enlarging our facility to meet the need for greater capacity. Starting in mid-2008, with the completion of this new expansion, we will be able to provide new services and product ranges. This new growth will allow us to realize the highest synergy possible from existing and future techniques.  
This year we are pleased to announce our 20th anniversary.   Without you this incredible story simply could not have been told and we would not have become such an important industry in our community.
We would like to take this occasion to thank you for your support and the trust you have placed in us all these years.   Our commitment to you has been and continues to be:   To put all our effort, knowledge and passion into being a reliable partner, always striving to find new solutions for your educational needs.  

Thomas Parkel
CEO