DGOU

DGOU stands for Deutsche Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, a German professional society representing the disciplines of orthopedics and trauma surgery. It serves as the umbrella organization for the two longstanding medical societies in the field, coordinating education, research, and the promotion of high-quality patient care across Germany.

Historically, DGOU was formed to unify the two specialties under a single framework to standardize training, promote research collaboration, and facilitate professional exchange. Through its combined structure, it fosters cross-disciplinary approaches to musculoskeletal disorders, trauma, and rehabilitation.

Membership comprises practicing orthopedic and trauma surgeons, researchers, and allied professionals. The society is governed by a president and an elected board, supported by scientific committees and sections focused on subspecialties such as spine, pelvis and lower extremity trauma, pediatric orthopedics, and arthroscopy, spanning both orthopedics and trauma.

DGOU activities include organizing the annual DGOU congress, a major forum for education and research, developing clinical guidelines and position statements, accrediting training centers, and promoting quality and patient safety initiatives. The society collaborates with national and international partners to advance evidence-based practice and clinical research.

Publications and resources include professional guidance, educational materials, and links to research networks. DGOU also supports registries and quality-improvement projects in musculoskeletal health and trauma care, contributing to national standards in orthopedic and trauma surgery.