Skip to main content
MedNextMedNext
Capabilities in Practice (CiPs)

Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery CESR Portfolio Guide

Complete guide to the Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery Portfolio Pathway: 5 Capabilities in Practice (CiPs), 9 evidence sections, and a 6-year currency window. Based on official GMC Specialty Specific Guidance, published by Joint Committee on Surgical Training (JCST) / Joint Committee on Intercollegiate Examinations (JCIE).

SSG Version: 22/05/2025

5
CiPs
9
Evidence Sections
6yr
Currency Window
800-1000p
Evidence Volume

Capabilities in Practice (CiPs)

The Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery SSG defines 5 Capabilities in Practice (CiPs) that Portfolio Pathway applicants must demonstrate competence in.

CiP 1

Manages an out-patient clinic

Able to perform all the administrative and clinical tasks required of a consultant surgeon in order that all patients presenting as outpatients in the specialty are care for safely and appropriately

  • Assesses and prioritises GP and inter-departmental referrals and deals correctly with inappropriate referrals
  • Assesses new and review patients using a structured history and a focused clinical examination to perform a full clinical assessment, and determines the appropriate plan of action, explains it to the patient and carries out the plan
  • Carries out syllabus defined practical investigations or procedures within the out-patient setting
  • Adapts approach to accommodate all channels of communication (e.g. interpreter, sign language), communicates using language understandable to the patient, and demonstrates communication skills with particular regard to breaking bad news. Appropriately involves relatives and friends
  • Takes co-morbidities into account
  • Requests appropriate investigations, does not investigate when not necessary, and interprets results of investigations in context
  • Selects patients with urgent conditions who should be admitted from clinic
  • Manages potentially difficult or challenging interpersonal situations, including breaking bad news and complaints
  • Completes all required documentation
  • Makes good use of time
  • Uses consultation to emphasise health promotion
CiP 2

Manages the unselected emergency take

All patients with an emergency condition requiring management within the specialty. Able to perform all the administrative and clinical tasks required of a consultant surgeon in order that all patients presenting as emergencies in the specialty are cared for safely and appropriately

  • Promptly assesses acutely unwell and deteriorating patients, delivers resuscitative treatment and initial management, and ensures sepsis is recognised and treated in compliance with protocol
  • Makes a full assessment of patients by taking a structured history and by performing a focused clinical examination, and requests, interprets and discusses appropriate investigations to synthesise findings into an appropriate overall impression, management plan and diagnosis
  • Identifies, accounts for and manages co-morbidity in the context of the surgical presentation, referring for specialist advice when necessary
  • Selects patients for conservative and operative treatment plans as appropriate, explaining these to the patient, and carrying them out
  • Demonstrates effective communication with colleagues, patients and relatives
  • Makes appropriate peri- and post-operative management plans in conjunction with anaesthetic colleagues
  • Delivers ongoing post-operative surgical care in ward and critical care settings, recognising and appropriately managing medical and surgical complications, and referring for specialist care when necessary
  • Makes appropriate discharge and follow up arrangements
  • Carries out all operative procedures as described in the syllabus
  • Manages potentially difficult or challenging interpersonal situations
  • Gives and receives appropriate handover
CiP 3

Manages ward rounds and in-patients

Manages all hospital in-patients with conditions requiring management within the specialty. Able to perform all the administrative and clinical tasks required of a consultant surgeon in order that all inpatients requiring care within the specialty are cared for safely and appropriately

  • Identifies at the start of a ward round if there are acutely unwell patients who require immediate attention
  • Ensures that all necessary members of the multi-disciplinary team are present, knows what is expected of them and what each other’s roles and contributions will be, and contributes effectively to cross specialty working
  • Ensures that all documentation (including results of investigations) will be available when required and interprets them appropriately
  • Makes a full assessment of patients by taking a structured history and by performing a focused clinical examination, and requests, interprets and discusses appropriate investigations to synthesise findings into an appropriate overall impression, management plan and diagnosis
  • Identifies when the clinical course is progressing as expected and when medical or surgical complications are developing, and recognises when operative intervention or re-intervention is required and ensures this is carried out
  • Identifies and initially manages co-morbidity and medical complications, referring on to other specialties as appropriate
  • Contributes effectively to level 2 and level 3 care
  • Makes good use of time, ensuring all necessary assessments are made and discussions held, while continuing to make progress with the overall workload of the ward round
  • Identifies when further therapeutic manoeuvres are not in the patient’s best interests, initiates palliative care, refers for specialist advice as required, and discusses plans with the patient and their family
  • Summarises important points at the end of the ward rounds and ensures all members of the multi-disciplinary team understand the management plans and their roles within them
  • Gives appropriate advice for discharge documentation and follow-up
CiP 4

Manages the Operating list

All patients with conditions requiring operative treatment within the specialty. Able to perform all the administrative and clinical tasks required of a consultant surgeon in order that all patients requiring operative treatment receive it safely and appropriately

  • Selects patients appropriately for surgery, taking the surgical condition, co-morbidities, medication and investigations into account, and adds the patient to the waiting list with appropriate priority
  • Negotiates reasonable treatment options and shares decision-making with patients
  • Takes informed consent in line with national legislation or applies national legislation for patients who are not competent to give consent
  • Arranges anaesthetic assessment as required
  • Undertakes the appropriate process to list the patient for surgery
  • Prepares the operating list, accounting for case mix, skill mix, operating time, clinical priorities, and patient co-morbidity
  • Leads the brief and debrief and ensures all relevant points are covered for all patients on the operating list
  • Ensures the WHO checklist (or equivalent) is completed for each patient at both the beginning and end of each procedure
  • Understands when prophylactic antibiotics should be prescribed and follows local protocol
  • Synthesises the patient’s surgical condition, the technical details of the operation, comorbidities and medication into an appropriate operative plan for the patient
  • Carries out the operative procedures to the required level for the phase of training as described in the specialty syllabus
  • Uses good judgement to adapt operative strategy to take account of pathological findings and any changes in clinical condition
  • Undertakes the operation in a technically safe manner, using time efficiently
  • Demonstrates good application of knowledge and non-technical skills in the operating theatre, including situation awareness, decision-making, communication, leadership, and teamwork
  • Writes a full operation note for each patient, ensuring inclusion of all post-operative instructions
  • Reviews all patients post-operatively
  • Manages complications safely, requesting help from colleagues where required
CiP 5

Manages multi-disciplinary working

Manages all patients with conditions requiring interdisciplinary management (or multi-consultant input as in Trauma or Fracture Meetings in Trauma and Orthopaedics) including care within the specialty. Able to perform all the administrative and clinical tasks of a consultant surgeon in order that safe and appropriate multi-disciplinary decisions are made on all patients with conditions requiring care within the specialty.

  • Appropriately selects patients who require discussion at the multi-disciplinary team
  • Follows the appropriate administrative process
  • Deals correctly with inappropriate referrals for discussion (e.g. postpones discussion if information is incomplete or out-of-date)
  • Presents relevant case history, recognising important clinical features, co-morbidities and investigations
  • Identifies patients with unusual, serious or urgent conditions
  • Engages constructively with all members of the multi-disciplinary team in reaching an agreed management decision, taking co-morbidities into account, recognising when uncertainty exists, and being able to manage this
  • Effectively manages potentially challenging situations such as conflicting opinions
  • Develops a clear management plan and communicates discussion outcomes and subsequent plans by appropriate means to the patient, GP and administrative staff as appropriate
  • Manages time to ensure the case list is discussed in the time available
  • Arranges follow up investigations when appropriate and knows indications for follow up

Evidence Requirements

The SSG specifies 9 evidence sections. Each section describes what evidence to provide and how to present it.

Evidence of training, qualifications, and employment

Substantial primary evidence for any previous training towards a medical qualification should only be submitted if the training is directly relevant to your capabilities and dates from the past six years (WTE).

What to provide

  • CV
  • Employment letters
  • On call rotas
  • Primary medical qualification (PMQ)

How to present

Grouped by section in the online application.

Knowledge

You must demonstrate knowledge appropriate for specialist practice in the UK.

What to provide

  • FRCS (T&O) certificate together with confirmation of this from the JCIE
  • Or a portfolio of knowledge, which shows comparable knowledge to the curriculum including a detailed mapping exercise

How to present

Provide certificate or extensive portfolio of evidence mapped to JCIE competencies.

Skills and experience

Evidence of ability to manage patients presenting with the full range of emergency and elective conditions in the generality of trauma and orthopaedic surgery.

What to provide

  • Logbooks in eLogbook format
  • Consolidation reports (operative group report and SAC indicative procedures report)
  • Workplace Based Assessments (WBAs) including PBAs and CBDs/CEXs

How to present

Full logbooks uploaded per institution and named (e.g. Stepping Hill – Jan 2016-Jan 2018). Consolidation reports as separate uploads. WBAs grouped by institution and index procedure.

CPD/Conferences

Evidence of up to date competencies in Advanced Trauma Life Support and engagement in CPD.

What to provide

  • ATLS, European Trauma Course, Definitive Surgical Trauma Skills course or equivalent
  • Evidence of CPD
  • Evidence of having attended national or international conferences and meetings

How to present

Grouped by activity.

Research

Evidence of having met the relevant requirements for research and scholarship as set out under GPC 9.

What to provide

  • A higher degree by research at level 7 or level 8
  • Publications
  • Poster or podium presentations
  • Evidence of journal club activity
  • GCP course in Research Governance
  • Recruitment into a research ethics committee approved study

How to present

At least one piece of evidence submitted for each of the 4 areas of research capabilities.

Medical education and training

Evidence of an understanding of, and participation in, medical education.

What to provide

  • ‘Training the Trainers’ course or equivalent
  • Lecture slides
  • Timetables showing involvement in training
  • Written structured feedback from those taught
  • Evidence of assessing others (e.g. WBAs)
  • Appraisal detailing role in teaching

How to present

Group and upload evidence by teaching activity with a clear description.

Quality Improvement

Evidence of an understanding of, and participation in, audit or quality/service improvement.

What to provide

  • Evidence of completing or supervising 3 audit or quality/service improvement projects in the last 6 years (WTE)
  • Slides of an audit presentation
  • Audit reports
  • Presentations of audit work

How to present

Group and upload evidence by audit activity with a clear description. Provide audits in reverse chronological order.

Management and Leadership

Evidence of leadership and having taken part in a management related activity.

What to provide

  • A course on UK health service management
  • Reflection on the course
  • Evidence of rota organisation, clinical lead, audit lead, committee chair, or educational leadership role

How to present

Group and upload evidence by activity with a clear description.

Additional evidence

Evidence to demonstrate outcomes in appraisal, multidisciplinary working, communication, partnerships, complaints, health and safety, and equality and diversity.

What to provide

  • Appraisal (two cycles of recent appraisal)
  • 6 examples of communication across multidisciplinary teams
  • MSF or 360 from MDT members
  • Referral letters, consent documents, discharge summaries
  • Courses relating to consent
  • Primary evidence of dealing with a complaint or Datix incident
  • Mandatory Trust courses (Infection Control, Safeguarding, EDI)

How to present

Provide an explanatory statement/cover note if cross-referencing evidence.

Critical Conditions

The SSG requires evidence of managing 14 critical conditions at specified competence levels.

ConditionAssessment TypeMin Level
Compartment syndrome (any site)CBD/CEX4
Neurovascular injuries (any site)CBD/CEX4
Cauda equina syndromeCBD/CEX4
Immediate assessment, care and referral of spinal traumaCBD/CEX4
Spinal infectionsCBD/CEX4
Complications of inflammatory spinal conditionsCBD/CEX4
Metastatic spinal compressionCBD/CEX4
The painful spine in the childCBD/CEX4
Physiological response to traumaCBD/CEX4
The painful hip in the childCBD/CEX4
Necrotising fasciitisCBD/CEX4
Diabetic footCBD/CEX4
Primary and secondary musculo-skeletal malignancyCBD/CEX4
Major trauma resuscitationCEX4

Index Procedures

13 index procedures require procedural-based assessments (PBAs) with specified minimum assessors and competence levels.

ProcedureCategoryMin PBAsMin AssessorsMin Level
Major joint arthroplastyElective324
OsteotomyElective324
Nerve compressionElective324
ArthroscopyElective324
Compression Hip Screw for Intertrochanteric Fracture Neck of FemurEmergency/trauma324
Hemiarthroplasty for Intracapsular Fracture Neck of FemurEmergency/trauma324
Application of Limb External FixatorEmergency/trauma14
Tendon Repair for traumaEmergency/trauma324
Intramedullary nailing including elastic nailing for fracture or arthrodesisEmergency/trauma324
Plate fixation for fracture or arthrodesisEmergency/trauma324
Tension band wire for fracture or arthrodesisEmergency/trauma324
K wire fixation for fracture or arthrodesisEmergency/trauma324
Children’s displaced supracondylar fractureEmergency/trauma14

Knowledge Requirements

Primary Path

FRCS (T&O) certificate together with confirmation of this from the JCIE.

Alternative Path

A portfolio of knowledge, which shows comparable knowledge to the curriculum (detailed mapping exercise).

European Board Examination (FEBOT) unlikely to show knowledge. Pre-ISB FRCS will not contribute.

Referee Requirements

4

Referee Reports Required

Last two years of practice (WTE, does not need to be consecutive)

  • Consultants who have observed your practice over the last two years
  • At least two with significant involvement in training and knowledge of assessment processes (e.g. CS, AES, TPD)
  • One from the head of specialty department (Clinical Director)

Volume and Assessment Targets

The SSG specifies minimum volume and assessment targets for this specialty.

Indicative number of total operations [P, T, S-TU, S-TS or A]

Total operations

Min count: 1800last 6 years clinical practise (WTE)

Indicative number of cases performed as first surgeon (P, T, S-TU, S-TS)

First surgeon operations

Min count: 1260last 6 years clinical practise (WTE)

Major joint arthroplasty

Indicative Number

Min count: 80

Osteotomy

Indicative Number

Min count: 20

Nerve compression

Indicative Number

Min count: 20

Arthroscopy

Indicative Number

Min count: 50

Compression Hip Screw for Intertrochanteric Fracture Neck of Femur

Indicative Number

Min count: 40

Hemiarthroplasty for Intracapsular Fracture Neck of Femur

Indicative Number

Min count: 40

Application of Limb External Fixator

Indicative Number

Min count: 5

Tendon Repair for trauma

Indicative Number

Min count: 10

Intramedullary nailing including elastic nailing for fracture or arthrodesis

Indicative Number

Min count: 30

Plate fixation for fracture or arthrodesis

Indicative Number

Min count: 40

Tension band wire for fracture or arthrodesis

Indicative Number

Min count: 5

K wire fixation for fracture or arthrodesis

Indicative Number

Min count: 20

Children’s displaced supracondylar fracture

Indicative Number

Min count: 5

Audit or quality/service improvement projects

Completed or supervised projects

Min count: 3last 6 years (WTE)

Currency Window & Evidence Volume

Currency Window

6

Years

Evidence drawn from the last 6 years of clinical practice prior to submission (WTE, does not need to be consecutive). If you have had a break in practice in the last six calendar years, 50% of your evidence of competency in critical conditions (CBDs) and emergency index procedures (PBAs) should be drawn from the last 2 years clinical practice. If working less than full time, evidence should be weighted to more recent years.

Evidence Volume

800-1000 pages of evidence

Additional Notes

Unbundling of cases, i.e. splitting up standard operations into two or more parts, in order to count operations as multiple cases on one patient is not permitted. As a principle, one patient = one operation.

AI-generated or generic reflections may not do this as they tend to be generic, rather than specific, personal examples. More weight will be given to your reflection where this includes specific topics/instances.

For supracondylar fracture and external fixator application, an indicative number of 1 x PBA level 4 in a non-simulated setting is acceptable. One PBA may be assessed in simulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery CESR portfolio?
The Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery CESR portfolio is a collection of evidence demonstrating equivalence to UK CCT standards, submitted via the GMC Portfolio Pathway. It is assessed against the Specialty Specific Guidance for Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery.
How many framework units does Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery require?
The Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery SSG defines 5 Capabilities in Practice (CiPs) and 9 evidence sections.
What evidence is required for Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery specialist registration?
Evidence requirements are defined in 9 sections covering areas such as Evidence of training, qualifications, and employment, Knowledge, Skills and experience, and more.
How long is the currency window for Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery?
The currency window for Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery is 6 years. Evidence drawn from the last 6 years of clinical practice prior to submission (WTE, does not need to be consecutive). If you have had a break in practice in the last six calendar years, 50% of your evidence of competency in critical conditions (CBDs) and emergency index procedures (PBAs) should be drawn from the last 2 years clinical practice. If working less than full time, evidence should be weighted to more recent years.
What index procedures are required for Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery?
Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery requires procedural-based assessments for 13 index procedures across the specialty.

Start Your Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery Portfolio

Map your evidence to the Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery framework, track readiness, and export your GMC submission.