The GOTS was founded in 1986 by orthopaedic surgeons from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Due to the rapidly growing number of members, the GOTS is now one of the largest and most important association of sport orthopaedic surgeons, second only to the „American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine“ (AOSSM).
The GOTS views sports medicine as a holistic, dialog oriented medicine and tries to unite common interests of the different specialities orthopaedic surgery, trauma surgery, biomechanics, physiotherapy, physical therapy and sports sciences.
The self-image of the GOTS and the activities are characterised by the strong links between research and sport medical praxis, interdisciplinary events and cooperation with international institutes, while integrating industry partners. The GOTS maintained an intensive dialog with the public, athletes, trainers and sports associations.