FRCS orth exam preparation
some tips and tricks
Evidence based orthopaedic surgery
Many examinees are worried about how much evidence they need to know for the exam. One will not fail for not being able to back up his/her management plan with appropriate evidence. According to the marking descriptor of Intercollegiate Specialty Board if you formulate a logical and appropriate answer but fail to quote appropriate literature you will stilll score 7. So published evidence is not a pass/fail issue but it helps to be be aware of current evidence. In appropriate situation it will help improve your score. It will reassure the examiner that you are not regurgitating from the textbook but are conversant with current literature.
Latest NJR report is essential reading as are the previous year's JBJS. If you do not have a regular habit for noting down published evidence then look up the the reference in latest textbooks. They have important papers in reference and some even provide a summary appraisal. This may be dated but absolutely recent evidence is not essential to pass
For exam purposes one only needs to know few landmark papers. It is also useful to know literature where there is controversy in management. If you get a scenario where there is no clear consensus it is useful to be able to support management plan with evidence base.
You have to know the BOAST guidelines. If you get an open tibial fracture you must be able to cite BOA/BAPRAS guideline guiding your management.
Among the current issues it is essential to know of the MHRA guideline for follow up of metal on metal hip and BHS guidelines on large diameter metal on metal hip replacement.
For up to date pre-appraised orthopaedic evidence follow the link below ( Ortho Evidence).
This excellent website gives regular summary assessment of important papers.
