ABOS Orthopaedic Sports Medicine study plan

Map shoulder girdle anatomy and biomechanics: static versus dynamic stabilizers, labroligamentous complexes, scapulohumeral rhythm, and force couples.

Differentiate anterior, posterior, and multidirectional instability by describing provocative examination maneuvers, expected imaging findings, and operative versus nonoperative indications.

Compare surgical options for labral and capsular pathology (Bankart repair, remplissage, capsular shift, Latarjet) and state failure modes and immobilization positions for each.

Apply tendon-healing biology and suture-anchor biomechanics to justify rotator cuff repair constructs, footprint coverage, and postoperative protection protocols.

Classify rotator cuff tears by tendon involvement, retraction, and fatty infiltration (Goutallier), then match each pattern to repair, tendon transfer, or arthroplasty.

Explain ACL reconstruction decision points: graft choice, tunnel position, associated meniscal and ligamentous injury, and criteria-based return to sport.

Analyze meniscal tear management, including root tears and repair versus meniscectomy, using meniscal biomechanics and long-term cartilage risk.

Distinguish indications and complications of anatomic versus reverse shoulder arthroplasty, including notching, loosening, and instability.

Evaluate elbow instability by describing valgus-extension overload, posterolateral rotatory instability testing, and indications and rehabilitation after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction.

Outline management of distal biceps and triceps tendon ruptures: surgical approach, fixation method, and complication avoidance.

Stage scapholunate and perilunate injuries using radiographic patterns and select appropriate reconstruction or salvage procedures.

Describe thumb base and carpal fractures (Bennett, Rolando, scaphoid) including vascular supply, nonunion risk, and fixation choices.

Review flexor tendon zones, pulley biomechanics, and repair plus rehabilitation protocols that balance adhesion formation against rupture risk.

Distinguish cam from pincer morphology, describe labral treatment options, and summarize outcomes and reoperation risks after hip arthroscopy.

List hip arthroscopy indications, contraindications, portal anatomy, and complications including pudendal and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury.

Compare nonoperative and operative treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability, including the Brostrom repair and anatomic reconstruction.

Differentiate Achilles tendinopathy from acute rupture and defend operative versus nonoperative management and accelerated rehabilitation pathways.

Classify Lisfranc injuries, interpret weight-bearing imaging, and compare open reduction internal fixation with primary arthrodesis.

Differentiate cervical radiculopathy from myelopathy using examination findings and state when advanced imaging or electrodiagnostics change management.

Construct a sport-related concussion pathway that includes sideline assessment, return-to-learn before return-to-play progression, and persistent symptom management.

Compare burners and stingers with cervical cord neurology and specify return-to-play criteria for athletes with cervical stenosis.

Summarize lumbar disk herniation and spondylolysis management in athletes, including bracing, injection, and return-to-play timelines.

Design criterion-based phased rehabilitation programs for rotator cuff repair, ACL reconstruction, and Achilles repair, specifying progression triggers rather than fixed timelines.

Apply bone-healing, tendon-healing, and graft-incorporation biology to justify when loading, range of motion, and impact activity are advanced.

Explain objective return-to-sport testing batteries, including limb symmetry indices, hop testing, strength ratios, and psychological readiness instruments.

Evaluate training-load concepts such as acute-to-chronic workload ratios and address adolescent and pediatric return-to-play considerations.

Work through complex shoulder failure scenarios, including failed instability repair, cuff tear arthropathy, and proximal humerus nonunion, and defend salvage options.

Rehearse advanced knee topics: multiligament knee injury, revision ACL reconstruction, and cartilage restoration indications including osteochondral and cell-based techniques.

Practice timed question triage to build a sustainable pace of roughly 90 seconds per item while flagging uncertain questions for review.

Synthesize basic science principles, including biomechanics, biomaterials, and healing biology, as they apply to the surgical indications reviewed across all domains.

Audit the error log by domain, then restudy the three lowest-yield domains using targeted question sets and spaced-retrieval review.

Rehearse image-free case vignettes that require staged decision making, from diagnosis through rehabilitation and return to sport.

Prepare exam-day logistics, timing strategy, and a one-page high-yield summary sheet for final review.