The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA)

The Japanese Orthopaedic Association was founded in 1926 (Year 15 of the Taisho era) in order to promote studies of orthopaedics, presentation of study results, and to strengthen contact and cooperation among organizations and individuals specializing in this discipline.

Our association became a public interest incorporated association on April 1, 2011 (Year 23 of the Heisei era), with the aim of contributing further to the development of orthopaedics and musculoskeletal medicine through research, maintenance of health, prevention of diseases, development of public health in both mind and body mainly through sports medicine, support for the handicapped, and extension of social welfare services for the aged. To realize these aims, we have launched projects to encourage the performance of studies and investigations related to orthopaedics, authorized medical specialists and training institutes, carried out research on systems of medical insurance, long-term care insurance, and social welfare for the handicapped (including children), and offered advice and information to the public.

Our goal is to facilitate the maintenance and improvement of bone and joint function. To achieve this, it will be necessary to produce medical specialists who are adept at diagnosis and treatment, including conservative treatments such as therapeutic exercise, as well as pharmacotherapeutics and surgery.