Simini Boards Cast

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...

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...