The Combined Services Orthopaedic Society was formed in 1974 in order to promote orthopaedic specialty training in the Armed Services as a civilian organisation. It is funded entirely by members’ contributions and sponsorship from trade organisations.

Meetings are held annually, and are open to all present and past members of the Armed Services with an interest in Trauma and Orthopaedics. In addition Consultant Advisors to the Defence Medical Services are invited. The change in Military Secondary Care Medical Provision in the last few years, with the formation of the Joint Hospital Groups (JHG) within large NHS Trusts, and military trainees being placed into centres of excellence, has provided a platform for trainees to present work on a broad range of Orthopaedic subjects.