AANA24 Shoulder All-Access Pass-CONCURRENT SCIENTIFIC SESSION 6C: Board Review

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This oral board preparation session for orthopedic surgeons focused on the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) exam process, including case presentation and exam strategies. The session was led by faculty including Jackie Brady and Dr. Evan Villes, who conducted a mock oral exam using a real ACL rupture case from his board collection.<br /><br />Key points included practical advice on managing timing during the exam, preparing a concise 7-minute case “spiel,” and dealing with examiner questioning designed to test composure and depth of knowledge. Candidates were advised to avoid going into excessive detail unless strategically diverting, to know their submitted documentation well, and to be honest about complications without defensiveness. Suggested strategies included rehearsing to recognize verbal tics and distractions, and practicing navigating the ABOS submission system to efficiently access imaging and records during the exam.<br /><br />The ACL case presentation detailed a 16-year-old female volleyball player with an ACL tear and hyperlaxity. Surgical decisions, graft choice (preferring bone-patellar tendon autograft), use of lateral extra-articular tenodesis, pre-operative optimization, and post-op rehabilitation protocols were reviewed. Discussion also covered imaging interpretation, intraoperative findings, management of potential complications, and criteria for returning to sport testing.<br /><br />A second case covered a rotator cuff repair in a 60-year-old woman, addressing surgical approach, post-op care, complication management (including re-tear), and strategy for revision surgery. Panelists emphasized succinct, transparent communication and clinical reasoning in the face of complex cases.<br /><br />Overall, the session highlighted the importance of preparation, strategic presentation, awareness of examiners’ tactics, and thorough knowledge of documentation to present oneself as a safe, competent surgeon during the oral boards.

Asset Caption

Moderator: Jacqueline M. Brady, M.D.

Keywords

ABOS exam

oral board preparation

orthopedic surgery

ACL rupture case

case presentation strategies

exam timing management

bone-patellar tendon autograft

lateral extra-articular tenodesis

rotator cuff repair

complication management

surgical decision making