Simini Boards Cast

In this BoardsCast episode, we continue our deep dive into Tobias Chapter 26: Neurologic Examination & Neuroanatomic Diagnosis , focusing on cranial nerve testing and the two most commonly misunderstood neurologic responses: the menace response and the pupillary light reflex (PLR) . These two tests look similar — bright light, hand wave, eyeball reaction — but they assess completely different...

In this BoardsCast episode, we scope our way through the stifle — the most frequently examined joint in small animal arthroscopy. Using Chapter 71 of Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) as our guide, we unpack what’s inside the joint when it’s cruciate-deficient, meniscus-torn, or just plain fogged by fat pad. You’ll learn: Portal placement for optimal scope access Cruciate rupture...

In this BoardsCast episode, we scope into the most mobile — and arguably most misunderstood — joint in small animal orthopedic surgery: the shoulder. With Chapter 71 of Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) as our surgical roadmap, we explore biceps tendon pathology, humeral OCD, and synovitis under the scope. You’ll learn: Portal placement and joint distention techniques specific to...

In this BoardsCast episode, we close out our arthroscopy series by confronting the hard truth: most scope complications aren’t about the joint — they’re about the surgeon. Referencing Chapter 71 from Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) , this episode outlines the five most common — and most avoidable — errors in small animal arthroscopy. You’ll learn: What causes iatrogenic damage...

In this BoardsCast episode, we dive into the essentials of arthroscopy — the minimally invasive approach that allows direct evaluation and treatment of the joint without opening it wide. Built around Chapter 71 of Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) , this episode connects key anatomic, procedural, and board-relevant principles. You’ll learn: When to scope instead of open — and wha...

In this episode of BoardsCast , we dive deep into the elbow — one of the most complex and commonly scoped joints in small animal orthopedics. Focused on the conditions grouped under “elbow dysplasia,” we examine fragmented coronoid process (FCP), osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD), and elbow incongruency through the lens of Chapter 71 in Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed). You’ll lea...

In this BoardsCast episode, we bring structure to the world of external skeletal fixation — exploring how frame design, fixation forces, and biological constraints determine outcomes in fracture repair. Whether you're pinning a toy dog radius or managing a segmental tibial gap, knowing how to build (and when to remove) an ESF makes or breaks the result. You’ll learn: The four core ESF frame t...

In this BoardsCast episode, we tackle one of the most frustrating failures in orthopedic repair — a broken plate. From strain concentration to screw density and fatigue over time, this episode breaks down how good implants go bad and how to prevent it. You’ll learn: The three major reasons why plates fail postoperatively Why implant fatigue is almost always a time + stress equation The role of scr...

In this episode of BoardsCast, we tackle joint infections — when bacteria make their way into the synovial space and trigger one of the most damaging sequelae in orthopedic surgery. From diagnosis to definitive treatment, we walk through how to save the joint — or when to let it go. You’ll learn: How to recognize and confirm septic arthritis What diagnostic tools are reliable (and which aren’t) In...

In this BoardsCast episode, we tackle one of the most challenging conversations in surgery: when to take the limb — and when to fight to save it. Whether you’re dealing with cancer, trauma, or chronic orthopedic failure, limb salvage vs. amputation is about far more than the cut. You’ll learn: The indications and contraindications for limb salvage Key factors influencing functional outcome after a...

In this BoardsCast episode, we dive deep into distraction osteogenesis —a biologically elegant, mechanically precise way to grow new bone. This is more than bone healing. It's bone engineering , and knowing how it works is critical for board prep, complex clinical cases, and surgical innovation. We break down the phases, principles, and pitfalls of this powerful orthopedic strategy, including...

In this BoardsCast episode, we flip the script and focus on when orthopedic surgery isn’t the best choice. Conservative orthopedic management isn’t just “doing nothing” — it’s a calculated decision based on biology, biomechanics, and behavior. You’ll learn: Which fractures actually heal well without surgery What stability looks like radiographically and clinically The role of load-sharing vs. load...

In this BoardsCast episode, we explore the key mechanisms behind fracture fixation failure—especially in the context of TPLO and TTA procedures. Using a three-bucket model, we dive into mechanical, biological, and biomechanical mismatches that underlie the most common and the most elusive post-op complications. This is your board-relevant, clinically applicable deep dive into the science of when t...

In this BoardsCast episode, we break down how to evaluate orthopedic radiographs with surgical intent — moving past "describe the fracture" to "what would you do?" You'll learn: A step-by-step radiographic reading protocol used on boards and in the OR How to assess fracture location, type, and displacement with purpose Why the soft tissues often tell you what happened befo...

In this BoardsCast episode, we tackle traumatic hip luxation — one of the most common orthopedic emergencies in small animals — and walk through why it fails, how to fix it, and when to call it quits. You’ll learn: What makes the coxofemoral joint stable — and what compromises it Why craniodorsal luxation is the rule, not the exception Pros and cons of closed reduction — and why it often fails Sur...

In this episode of BoardsCast, we take on osteomyelitis — one of the most frustrating and persistent complications in orthopedic surgery — and dive into how bacterial biofilm formation changes everything. You’ll learn: How biofilms form and why they protect bacteria from antibiotics The difference between acute and chronic osteomyelitis Which bacteria are most commonly involved — and what they sti...

In this episode of BoardsCast, we break down what bone grafts actually do — and which options work best depending on your patient’s biology and your surgical goals. You’ll learn: The three functions of bone grafts: osteogenesis, osteoinduction, and osteoconduction Why cancellous autografts are still the gold standard — and their limitations The rise of graft substitutes: demineralized bone matrix,...

In this episode of BoardsCast, we examine what happens when nerves are involved in orthopedic injury — and how to determine whether to explore, repair, or wait for recovery. You’ll learn: The classifications of nerve injury: neuropraxia, axonotmesis, neurotmesis What clinical signs suggest functional recovery — and which don’t How to manage radial nerve injuries in humeral fractures Timing of expl...

In this episode of BoardsCast, we take a close look at what changes when the patient hasn’t finished growing — and why pediatric orthopedic injuries require a fundamentally different approach. You’ll learn: How physis function and closure timing impact treatment The Salter-Harris fracture classification and growth disturbance risk What to do (and what to avoid) when fixing injuries near open physe...

In this episode of BoardsCast, we dive into the principles of corrective osteotomy — and why it’s not just about straightening a limb, but redirecting load to restore function. We explore: The role of mechanical axis, anatomic axis, and joint orientation lines How deformity affects loading and cartilage wear Why identifying the CORA is critical for precise correction Planning for single-plane and...

In this BoardsCast episode, we take a deep dive into the mechanics, myths, and misapplications of locking plates — a tool that’s often misunderstood as being universally superior. We explore: The difference between locking and conventional plates from a mechanical standpoint Why fixed-angle doesn’t always mean stronger or more stable The concept of working length, strain environment, and stress di...

In this BoardsCast episode, we explore the double-edged sword of surgical stability — and how too much can actually delay or damage bone healing. We unpack: The biomechanical basis of stress shielding Why Wolff’s Law applies in both directions How over-stiff constructs reduce callus and remodel poorly Where stress shielding leads to cortical thinning, screw loosening, or implant failure Strategies...

In this BoardsCast episode, we dig into the pathology and treatment of osteochondrosis and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) — the most common developmental orthopedic disease in growing dogs. You’ll learn: What actually causes failure of endochondral ossification Why vascular supply and cartilage thickness matter How OCD flaps form — and what makes them painful Typical lesion sites: shoulder, elbow...

In this episode of BoardsCast, we go beyond the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and examine cruciate ligament rupture through a broader lens of joint mechanics, instability, and alternative strategies. You’ll learn: Why cruciate rupture is a degenerative—not traumatic—process The biomechanics behind cranial tibial thrust and passive constraint How alignment, slope, and conformation influe...

In this episode of BoardsCast, we walk through the principles and evolving landscape of total joint replacement (TJR) in veterinary patients — focusing on the hip, elbow, and stifle. We cover: Cemented vs. cementless THR and why component fixation matters Modular vs. monobloc implants — and what surgeons are choosing Elbow replacement: options, outcomes, and the mechanical challenge of congruity S...