Simini Boards Cast

In this episode of BoardsCast, we cover the multifactorial nature of patellar luxation — a deceptively simple diagnosis that demands geometric precision and a rebalancing of forces for successful correction. We break down: The anatomic forces that push the patella medially or laterally How to assess limb alignment: femoral torsion, tibial rotation, trochlear depth Surgical options: tibial tuberosi...

In this episode of BoardsCast, we focus on the high-stakes realm of articular surface reconstruction — where perfect joint congruity meets imperfect reality. We explore: What defines “reconstructable” vs. “non-reconstructable” articular injury Osteochondral autografts, allografts, and synthetic options Corrective valgus and varus osteotomies (CVOs) and how they redistribute load How to use realign...

In this BoardsCast episode, we focus on a procedure that sacrifices joint motion for the sake of pain-free function: arthrodesis. We explore: When arthrodesis is a solution — and when it’s a mistake Principles of surgical joint fusion, from joint prep to compression and alignment Common sites for arthrodesis (carpus, tarsus, elbow, shoulder) and their differences How to plan angles and avoid mecha...

In this episode of BoardsCast, we dive into the function, failure, and surgical decision-making around the meniscus — a structure that can make or break long-term stifle outcomes. We cover: Meniscal anatomy and the unique role of the medial meniscus How hoop stress and load distribution maintain joint health The impact of cruciate rupture on meniscal mechanics Why meniscal injuries persist post-TP...

In this episode of BoardsCast, we explore the rapidly growing world of orthobiologics — from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and beyond. You’ll learn: What makes a biologic "orthopedic" — and what that actually means How PRP is made, what it contains, and why concentration matters The difference between bone marrow-derived and adipose-derived MSCs The three me...

In this BoardsCast episode, we confront a frustrating reality in orthopedic surgery: cartilage doesn’t heal like bone — and often doesn’t heal at all. We break down: The biology of cartilage and why it lacks regenerative capacity How chondrocyte metabolism, avascularity, and matrix structure limit healing The difference between hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage repair What makes superficial vs....

In this episode of BoardsCast, we dive into one of the most classic causes of angular limb deformity in young dogs: ulnar growth arrest. We cover: Why the distal ulnar physis is vulnerable to closure How continued radial growth creates predictable deformities The “radius curvus” pattern: valgus, procurvatum, and external rotation Diagnosis using joint orientation angles and axis mismatch Surgical...

In this BoardsCast episode, we explore the mechanical and biological challenges of tendon and ligament healing — and why these tissues never quite go back to “normal.” We cover: The stress-strain curve and what it tells us about tendon/ligament behavior Why these tissues fail differently from bone — and heal slower The inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases of healing Scar tissue vs. o...

In Part II of our angular limb deformity series, we apply the geometric principles of CORA, joint orientation angles, and alignment to real-world surgical decision-making. In this episode, we cover: When to choose a closing wedge, opening wedge, or dome osteotomy How rotation, translation, and implant planning interact Clinical scenarios that demand smooth vs. angular corrections Planning pitfalls...

In this first of a two-part BoardsCast series, we explore the foundational mechanics of angular limb deformity diagnosis and correction. Whether you’re preparing for boards or brushing up on osteotomy planning, this episode walks you step-by-step through: The difference between mechanical and anatomic axes Joint orientation angles (JFSA, LDFA, MPTA, JLCA) — and what “normal” looks like How to defi...

In this episode of BoardCast, we shift focus to one of the most time-sensitive and high-stakes situations in small animal orthopedics: the open fracture. We explore: How force, strain, and biology interact at injury sites Why initial wound care sets the stage for surgical success (or failure) The Gustilo-Anderson open fracture classification — and what it predicts When to debride, what to remove,...

In this episode of BoardCast, we break down what happens when internal fixation fails — and why. From the foundational forces at play to implant-specific failure modes, we explore the physics, mechanics, and clinical pitfalls behind: Tension band wiring and cerclage failure Interlocking nail fatigue and screw pullout Lag screw and plate biomechanics Locking plate failure patterns in poor-quality b...

In this BoardCast episode, we break down the mechanics, applications, and complications of one of the most powerful tools in internal fracture fixation: interlocking nails. From biomechanical advantages to real-world complications, we cover: Why nails work so well for comminuted diaphyseal fractures The difference between static and dynamic locking — and when to use each Area moment of inertia, an...

In this episode of BoardCast, we dive deep into one of the most fundamental decisions in small animal fracture repair: choosing between conventional bone plates and locking plate systems. Through clear mechanical breakdowns and real-world case thinking, we explore: The core engineering behind each fixation method Why screw purchase and bone quality matter (or don’t) Eccentric vs. central loading a...

In this high-yield episode of BoardCast, we explore the strategy behind plate application — from choosing the right plate to understanding how and why implants fail. You’ll learn: The physics of tension vs. compression and why placement matters Working length: what it is, how it affects compliance, and when flexibility helps or hurts Biomechanics of different plating techniques: compression, neutr...

You survived Bug Wars I–IV. But can you apply it? This episode is the exam-mode gauntlet: 8 board-style questions across antimicrobial mechanisms, PK/PD principles, combo logic, and sterilization. 🎯 Format: Multiple-choice questions Pause to answer Detailed breakdown of correct and incorrect choices Flashcard recap at the end 💡 Topics include: Time- vs. concentration-dependent kill MIC vs. MPC v...

You added a second antibiotic to play it safe… and sabotaged your treatment. In this episode, we unpack why combining antimicrobials can be a powerful strategy — or a clinical disaster. 🔍 You’ll learn: The difference between synergy , additive effects , and antagonism Why static + cidal combos can cancel each other out Which combinations actually work (and why) When to combine , when to de-escala...

You scrubbed the skin. You soaked the instruments. You wiped the table.  But the bugs came back — because you picked the wrong weapon. In this episode, we tackle the external battlefield of infection control:  the difference between disinfectants, antiseptics, and sterilants — and what actually kills. 🔍 You’ll learn: Why some products are safe on skin… and others destroy tissue Which agents kill...

The drug was right. The culture said susceptible.  But the patient didn’t improve. In this episode, we reveal the real reason antimicrobial therapy fails:   You didn’t match the drug’s kill style to the dosing strategy. 🔍 Learn: The difference between time-dependent and concentration-dependent killing Key PK/PD metrics like Time > MIC , Cmax/MIC , and AUC/MIC Why some antibiotics demand freque...

You picked the right drug. The culture said susceptible.  And the infection still got worse. It’s not always resistance — sometimes, it’s you. In this episode, we break down how antimicrobials actually kill — and why understanding that is the key to board success and clinical results. You’ll learn: The difference between bactericidal and bacteriostatic drugs The mechanisms of action for the major...

In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood principles in fracture repair: what role your implant is actually playing . Is it carrying all the load? Or sharing it with the bone?  Because if you mismatch your construct to the fracture — it’s not if it will fail. It’s when. 🔍 You’ll learn: The difference between load sharing and load bearing What happens when implants are too stiff...

What actually heals a fracture — the metal or the biology? In this episode, we break down the real mechanics of bone healing , and why even textbook-perfect plates can fail if the strain environment isn’t right. You’ll learn: The difference between primary and secondary bone healing Why interfragmentary strain (IFS) controls tissue differentiation How to match fixation strategy to fracture type Wh...

What’s the real difference between tension, shear, and torsion — and why does it matter in fracture repair? In this high-yield kickoff episode, we break down the five forces that rule orthopedic surgery : Tension Compression Shear Bending Torsion You’ll learn: How each force works (with simple analogies you won’t forget) Why implants fail — and how to choose the right one How to spot board-style t...