Shows
Simini Boards CastChapter 88 - Part A: Saliva Is Not the Enemy: When Swellings Aren’t Glands at AllIn this BoardsCast episode, we begin Tobias Chapter 88 – Salivary Glands, and tackle one of the most common diagnostic traps in head and neck surgery: not every swelling near the mandible, cheek, or throat is a salivary gland problem.Many oral, dental, lymphatic, traumatic, and neoplastic conditions mimic salivary disease. Misdiagnosis leads to wrong surgeries, unnecessary gland removals, and missed pathologies.This episode teaches you how to think systematically when you see a “salivary swelling” — and how to avoid the trap.You’ll learn:When a swelling l...
2026-01-2115 minSimini Boards CastChapter 88 - Part C: Successful Excision, Failed Patient: The Salivary Surgery TrapIn this BoardsCast episode, we close out Tobias Chapter 88 – Salivary Glands by exposing one of the most frustrating paradoxes in head and neck surgery: the gland excision goes perfectly… and yet the patient still fails.Salivary surgery is deceptively simple. The anatomy is tight. The ducts are fragile. The nerves are unforgiving. And even a technically flawless removal can lead to postoperative complications that derail recovery.This episode breaks down the traps surgeons fall into — and how to avoid turning a “successful” excision into a failed patient ou...
2026-01-2117 minSimini Boards CastChapter 88 - Part B: The Sialocele Trap: Why Drainage Always FailsIn this BoardsCast episode, we continue Tobias Chapter 88 – Salivary Glands by examining one of the most misunderstood conditions in small animal surgery: the sialocele.Sialoceles look like abscesses, behave like cysts, and fool clinicians into thinking drainage will fix the problem. But drainage always fails — because the underlying issue is not the fluid… it’s the leaking gland or duct producing it.This episode breaks down the diagnosis, the physiology, the surgical plan, and exactly what the boards expect you to know.You’ll learn:What a sia...
2026-01-2113 minSimini Boards CastChapter 87 - Part E: Successful Resection, Failed Patient: The Oral Surgery TrapIn this BoardsCast episode, we conclude Tobias Chapter 87 – Soft Tissues of the Oral Cavity by exploring one of the most deceptive problems in oral surgery: the trap where the resection is perfect… but the patient fails.Oral resections are unforgiving. Even technically flawless surgery can unravel due to oral biomechanics, bacterial load, flap design errors, tension, salivary contamination, airway compromise, and postoperative pain leading to self-trauma.In this episode, we break down:Why a “clean margin” does not guarantee a successful outcomeThe biomechanics that destroy oral clo...
2026-01-2017 minSimini Boards CastChapter 87 - Part A: The Mouth Is a Battlefield: Why Oral Soft Tissue Never Behaves Like SkinIn this BoardsCast episode, we begin Tobias Chapter 87 – Soft Tissues of the Oral Cavity by tackling one of the most misunderstood principles in soft-tissue surgery: Oral tissue is not skin with moisture — it is a completely different biological environment.High bacterial load, constant motion, enzymatic activity, saliva chemistry, and poor mechanical advantage combine to create a battlefield where wounds behave unpredictably, repairs fail easily, and healing pathways diverge from any other region of the body.You’ll learn:Why oral soft tissue heals fast b...
2026-01-2018 minSimini Boards CastChapter 87 - Part B: Margins, Depth, and Deception: Why Oral Tumors Are Harder Than They LookIn this BoardsCast episode, we move deeper into Tobias Chapter 87 – Soft Tissues of the Oral Cavity and focus on one of the most deceptively challenging areas of surgical oncology: oral tumors.Oral neoplasms defy visual judgment. They look smaller than they are, they invade deeper than expected, and they require wider, more aggressive margins than almost any other soft-tissue lesion. This episode explains why.You’ll learn:Why oral tumors extend far beyond what you see on examHow mucosa, submucosa, and bone interact in tumor spreadWhy “depth” matters...
2026-01-2018 minSimini Boards CastChapter 87 - Part C: To Close or Not to Close: When Oral Wounds Should Heal OpenIn this BoardsCast episode, we continue Tobias Chapter 87 – Soft Tissues of the Oral Cavity by challenging one of the biggest misconceptions in oral surgery: Not all wounds in the mouth should be closed. Some should heal open — and in many cases, closure actually makes things worse.Oral soft tissue is elastic, mobile, contaminated, enzyme-rich, and highly vascular. These factors make it excellent at healing… but terrible at holding tension. This episode explains when closure helps, when it harms, and how to know the difference.You’ll learn:Why so...
2026-01-2016 minSimini Boards CastChapter 87 - Part D: Saliva Is Not Benign: Fistulas, Dehiscence, and the Oral Failure CascadeIn this BoardsCast episode, we continue Tobias Chapter 87 – Soft Tissues of the Oral Cavity by focusing on the single greatest enemy of oral wound healing: saliva.Saliva isn’t harmless — it is enzymatic, contaminated, and constantly bathing wounds in a chemical soup that dissolves clots, weakens sutures, and sabotages primary closure. Combined with tongue motion, mastication forces, and the oral microbiome, it creates a predictable failure cascade leading to dehiscence, oronasal fistulas, and chronic breakdown.You’ll learn:Why saliva chemically interferes with wound healingH...
2026-01-2013 minSimini Boards CastChapter 86 - Part B: Localized vs Generalized Peritonitis: The Lie Surgeons Tell ThemselvesIn this BoardsCast episode, we continue our deep dive into Tobias Chapter 86 – Peritoneum & Retroperitoneum, expanding on how the peritoneum behaves as a biologic surface, not a “space,” and how that reality shapes the spread of infection, fluid, inflammation, and cancer.Part B builds on the physiologic foundation from Part A and applies it to real clinical patterns, helping you understand why abdominal disease never behaves randomly — it follows rules.You’ll learn:Why contamination spreads quickly while infection often stays localizedHow carcinoma “seeds” the abdomen along dependent surf...
2026-01-1414 minSimini Boards CastChapter 86 - Part C: The Retroperitoneal Trap: Why Sick Patients Look Normal Until They CrashIn this BoardsCast episode, we finish our exploration of Tobias Chapter 86 – Peritoneum & Retroperitoneum by focusing on the retroperitoneal space—the anatomy that hides disease so well that patients appear stable… until they suddenly aren’t.The retroperitoneum is not like the peritoneal cavity. It compartmentalizes, it muffles signs, and it delays clinical decompensation. This episode explains why retroperitoneal disease is so dangerous, why it progresses silently, and how to recognize it before the crash.You’ll learn:Why retroperitoneal fluid, infection, hemorrhage, and neoplasia behave differentlyWhy clinical sig...
2026-01-1414 minSimini Boards CastChapter 86 - Part A: The Peritoneum Is Not a Space: Why Fluids, Infection, and Cancer Spread the Way They DoIn this BoardsCast episode, we open Tobias Chapter 86 – Peritoneum & Retroperitoneum and reframe the peritoneum not as an “empty space,” but as a dynamic, vascular, absorptive surface that determines how fluid, infection, inflammation, and cancer move through the abdomen.Understanding this concept transforms how you interpret peritonitis, effusion, neoplasia, and surgical contamination — and explains why abdominal disease behaves the way it does.You’ll learn:Why the peritoneum acts like a giant sponge, not a containerHow fluid moves across peritoneal surfaces (and why it accumulates)How infection spreads in predictabl...
2026-01-1415 minSimini Boards CastChapter 86 - Part E: Successful Lavage, Dead Patient: The Peritoneal Failure PatternIn this BoardsCast episode, we conclude our Tobias Chapter 86 – Peritoneum & Retroperitoneum series with one of the most dangerous misconceptions in soft-tissue surgery: “The abdomen looks good after lavage, so the patient is going to be fine.” Wrong.The peritoneum has a predictable failure pattern — and if you don’t recognize it, a patient who looks stable can decompensate and die hours after a “successful” surgery.You’ll learn:Why visual improvement during surgery does not mean biologic recoveryHow peritoneal cytokine storms drive postoperative collapseWhy lavage removes d...
2026-01-1416 minSimini Boards CastChapter 86 - Part D: Effusion Isn’t the Diagnosis: Blood, Bile, Urine, or Pus?In this BoardsCast episode, we continue through Tobias Chapter 86 – Peritoneum & Retroperitoneum by confronting one of the biggest diagnostic errors in abdominal surgery: Calling effusion the diagnosis. Effusion is a symptom, not a conclusion — and it’s your job to determine whether that fluid is blood, bile, urine, or pus, because each has radically different implications, urgencies, and treatments.You’ll learn:Why “effusion” is meaningless without knowing what it isHow to rapidly differentiate hemoperitoneum, uroabdomen, septic peritonitis, and bile peritonitisHow the peritoneal surface reacts differently to each type of...
2026-01-1414 minSimini Boards CastChapter 85 - Part A: The Diaphragm Is a Pressure Valve, Not a WallIn this BoardsCast episode, we open Tobias Chapter 85 – Diaphragmatic Hernias and reframe the diaphragm not as a rigid barrier, but as a dynamic pressure valve that responds to changes in thoracic and abdominal forces.Understanding that concept unlocks everything about diaphragmatic injury, herniation, organ displacement, respiratory compromise, and surgical timing.You’ll learn:Why the diaphragm behaves like a flexible pressure regulatorHow negative thoracic pressure and positive abdominal pressure create herniationWhy chronic hernias behave radically differently from acute onesWhat “loss of domain” means — and why it matters fo...
2026-01-1212 minSimini Boards CastChapter 85 - Part B: Timing Kills: Stabilize or DieIn this BoardsCast episode, we continue our deep dive into Tobias Chapter 85 – Diaphragmatic Hernias, focusing on the most unforgiving variable in these cases: timing. Diaphragmatic hernias are not simply “surgical problems” — they are physiology first, surgery second. And if you operate at the wrong time, even a perfect repair becomes a fatal mistake.You’ll learn:Why stabilization is more important than suturingThe physiology of shock, hypoventilation, and organ displacementThe single biggest reason patients die during inductionWhen to delay surgery — and when delay is the killerThe differences between acute trauma, chro...
2026-01-1213 minSimini Boards CastChapter 85 - Part C: Successful Repair, Dead Patient: The Diaphragmatic TrapIn this BoardsCast episode, we confront the deadly paradox at the heart of diaphragmatic hernia surgery: Sometimes the repair is successful… and the patient still dies.Using Tobias Chapter 85 – Diaphragmatic Hernias as our guide, we break down the physiologic traps that occur after the diaphragm is closed — when shifting organs, changing pressures, and fragile cardiopulmonary dynamics push the patient past their physiologic limits.You’ll learn:Why re-expansion pulmonary edema (REPE) kills patients after “successful” repairHow rapid organ repositioning destabilizes venous returnWhy chronic hernias are the most dangero...
2026-01-1214 minSimini Boards CastChapter 84 - Part A: The Abdominal Wall Is a Tension Problem, Not a Closure ProblemIn this episode of BoardsCast, we begin our exploration of Tobias Chapter 84 – Abdominal Wall Reconstruction and Hernias, reframing one of the most misunderstood principles in soft tissue surgery:The abdominal wall doesn’t fail because the surgeon can’t close it. It fails because the tissues cannot withstand the tension being placed on them.This episode breaks down the biomechanics, anatomy, and surgical strategy required to understand why closures break down — and how to prevent it.You’ll learn:Why abdominal wall reconstruction is fundamen...
2026-01-0616 minSimini Boards CastChapter 84 - Part B: Hernias Explained: Congenital, Traumatic, Incisional — Same Physics, Different StoriesIn this episode of BoardsCast, we continue our walk through Tobias Chapter 84 – Abdominal Wall Reconstruction and Hernias by breaking down the three major hernia categories surgeons must recognize immediately: congenital, traumatic, and incisional.Each looks different, each behaves differently — but all follow the same biomechanical rules:Defect size, tension forces, and tissue quality determine success or failure.You’ll learn:How congenital hernias form and why they’re often structurally weakWhy traumatic hernias defy anatomic rules and challenge surgical planningHow incisional hernias reveal mechanical failure—...
2026-01-0613 minSimini Boards CastChapter 84 - Part C: Mesh or Muscle: When Primary Closure Is a LieIn this BoardsCast episode, we dive into Chapter 84 of Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) to tackle one of the most deceptively simple decisions in abdominal wall reconstruction: Can you actually close this primarily… or are you lying to yourself?When tension is high, tissue is weak, infection is present, or the defect is biomechanically doomed, primary closure becomes the wrong choice — and mesh or muscle flaps become the only path to success.You’ll learn:How to determine when primary closure is contraindicatedWhy tension kills tissue —...
2026-01-0614 minSimini Boards CastChapter 84 - Part D: Contamination, Infection, and the Dirty Abdomen: Why Perfect Repairs Still FailIn this episode of BoardsCast, we stay inside Tobias Chapter 84 – Abdominal Wall Reconstruction and Hernias, focusing on the high-risk abdominal wall: the contaminated, infected, or downright dirty abdomen.Even flawless surgical technique can fail if the biology is wrong — and in a contaminated abdomen, biology is working against you. This episode explains why abdominal wall repairs break down, why some closures should never be attempted, and what reconstruction strategies actually succeed.You’ll learn:The difference between contamination, infection, and septic abdomenWhy primary closure often fails even w...
2026-01-0612 minSimini Boards CastChapter 84 - Part E: Contamination, Infection, and the Dirty Abdomen: Why Perfect Repairs Still FailIn this BoardsCast episode, we complete our exploration of Tobias Chapter 84 – Abdominal Wall Reconstruction and Hernias by focusing on the surgical environment every clinician fears: the contaminated or infected abdomen.Even the most technically flawless repair can fail when the underlying biology is hostile. This episode explains why contaminated fields undermine tension, sutures, mesh, and muscle — and how surgeons can avoid predictable, preventable disasters.You’ll learn:Why contamination changes the rules of closureThe biologic cascade that makes fascia incapable of holding suturesWhen mesh becomes danger...
2026-01-0618 minSimini Boards CastChapter 83 - Part D: To Cut or Not to Cut: Partial vs Total SplenectomyIn Part D of our Tobias Chapter 83 – Spleen series, we tackle one of the most essential surgical decisions in splenic disease: When should you perform a partial splenectomy vs a total splenectomy? The spleen is forgiving, redundant, and biologically fascinating — but your surgical strategy must match the underlying pathology.You’ll learn:The physiologic consequences of removing vs preserving splenic tissueWhy partial splenectomy is rarely indicated — but still worth knowing cold for boardsWhich conditions absolutely require total splenectomyVascular anatomy that determines whether preservation is even possibleHow to perform partial resection safely w...
2025-12-3115 minSimini Boards CastChapter 83 - Part E: The Splenic Trap: Why Surgeons Kill Patients After a ‘Successful’ SplenectomyIn this BoardsCast episode, we tackle one of the most dangerous — and least discussed — realities in small-animal soft tissue surgery: many splenectomy patients don’t die from the spleen… they die from what happens after the spleen is removed.Using Tobias Chapter 83 – Spleen as our framework, we break down the physiologic traps, hemodynamic crashes, and decision-making failures that turn an apparently successful splenectomy into a fatal outcome.You’ll learn:Why removing a bleeding organ does not fix the shock stateThe hemodynamic trap: sudden...
2025-12-3116 minSimini Boards CastChapter 83 - Part C: The Bleeding Dog: Splenic Rupture, Hemoperitoneum, and ShockIn this episode of BoardsCast, we continue our deep dive into Tobias Chapter 83 – The Spleen, shifting our focus to the dog who arrives pale, weak, tachycardic, and bleeding into the abdomen. Splenic rupture and hemoperitoneum are emergencies, but not all bleeding dogs are the same, and not all of them should go straight to surgery.You’ll learn:The difference between traumatic vs spontaneous splenic ruptureHow to stabilize the bleeding dog without worsening the hemorrhageWhy some hemoperitoneum patients should not get immediate volume overloadHow to use FAST scans and PCV/TS tren...
2025-12-3114 minSimini Boards CastChapter 83 - Part B: Splenic Masses: Benign, Malignant, or Lying to You?In Part B of our Chapter 83 series from Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed), we step into one of the most anxiety-provoking topics in small animal surgery: splenic masses. Are they benign? Malignant? Hemangiosarcoma hiding inside a hematoma? Or is the spleen simply lying to you?This episode cuts through the confusion with a structured, surgeon-focused approach to diagnosing and managing splenic masses.You’ll learn:The true risk breakdown: benign vs malignant vs “impossible to tell”Why hemangiosarcoma mimics everything — and how it tricks cliniciansImaging patterns that help…...
2025-12-3113 minSimini Boards CastChapter 83 - Part A: The Spleen Is Not the Problem: What Splenic Disease Actually MeansIn this BoardsCast episode, we open Chapter 83 of Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) and tackle one of the most misunderstood organs in small-animal surgery: the spleen. The spleen is rarely the true problem — it’s the manifestation of a systemic, vascular, or hematologic process. This episode breaks down why.You’ll learn:How splenic anatomy and blood flow shape its disease patternsWhy is splenic enlargement usually a secondary problemThe difference between nodular hyperplasia, hematoma, torsion, and neoplasiaWhat "double lesions" mean and why the boards love asking ab...
2025-12-3114 minSimini Boards CastChapter 26 - Part A The 90-Second Neuro Exam Stop Guessing, Start LocalizingIn this BoardsCast episode, we take the mystery out of neuro exams and replace it with clarity, confidence, and an efficient plan. Using Chapter 26 from Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) as our framework, this is your crash course in rapid neurologic evaluation and spinal cord localization — designed for surgeons, not neurologists.You’ll learn:How to perform a focused neuro exam in under two minutesWhat tests actually help with lesion localization (and which waste your time)Stepwise interpretation of posture, gait, proprioception, and reflexesThe 5 spinal cord segments and how to map clinical signs to themWh...
2025-12-2214 minSimini Boards CastChapter 26 - Part B: UMN vs LMN: The One Split That Predicts EverythingIn this BoardsCast episode, we continue our neurology fundamentals series by diving into one of the most powerful — and testable — distinctions in neuroanatomy: upper motor neuron (UMN) vs. lower motor neuron (LMN) dysfunction. Using Chapter 26 of Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) as our anchor, we break down how this single split explains tone, reflexes, gait, and prognosis.You’ll learn:How UMN and LMN pathways function and failWhat changes in tone, reflexes, and gait distinguish the twoWhy lesion localization depends on recognizing the patternHow to apply UMN vs LMN principles to spina...
2025-12-2212 minSimini Boards CastChapter 26 - Part C: The Spinal Cord Boxes: C1–C5, C6–T2, T3–L3, L4–S3 In this BoardsCast episode, we take the “UMN vs LMN” framework from Part B and apply it to the four major spinal cord regions surgeons must localize instantly. Using Chapter 26 of Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed), we translate the entire spinal cord into four predictable “neuro boxes.”You’ll learn:The hallmark signs of each spinal cord segmentHow gait, posture, reflexes, and proprioception change with each regionWhy C6–T2 is the most confusing — and the one boards loveHow to distinguish L4–S3 LMN paresis from orthopedic weaknessWhen panniculus and cutaneous trunci testing truly helpHow to localize any cas...
2025-12-2214 minSimini Boards CastChapter 26 - Part D: Brain vs Spine: Forebrain, Brainstem, Cerebellum, Vestibular in Plain EnglishIn this BoardsCast episode, we wrap up our neuro-localization series by stepping out of the spine and into the brain. Using Chapter 26 of Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) as our guide, we translate neuroanatomy into simple, memorable, boards-ready patterns that distinguish forebrain, brainstem, cerebellar, and vestibular disease at a glance.You’ll learn:The hallmark signs of each intracranial region — in plain EnglishHow to differentiate seizures (forebrain) from weakness (brainstem)Why cerebellar disease looks dramatic but is rarely weakHow to split vestibular disease into central vs peripheralWhat cranial nerve deficits locali...
2025-12-2215 minSimini Boards CastChapter 26 - Part E: Cranial Nerves & The Two Reflexes Everyone Confuses: Menace vs PLRIn 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 pathways. And boards LOVE to exploit that.You’ll learn:The functional roles of all 12 cranial nerves (in surgeon-friendly language)How to perform and interpret each cranial nerve testWhy the menace and PLR rarely “match” — and why that's n...
2025-12-2215 minSimini Boards CastChapter 71: Part E - The 5 Deadly Arthroscopy Errors & How Surgeons Create Their Own ComplicationsIn 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 stifle, elbow, and shoulder scopingHow visualization errors cascade into missed diagnoses or misstepsCommon portal misplacement patterns and how to avoid themHow equipment misuse and poor ergonomics increase error ratesWhy technique confidence must be matche...
2025-12-1511 minSimini Boards CastChapter 71: Part D - Shoulder Arthroscopy: Biceps, OCD, and the Oddest Joint in OrthoIn 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 the shoulderHow to visualize and probe the biceps tendonWhere OCD lesions tend to form — and how to debride themWhen synovitis, instability, or incongruency demand deeper evaluationComplications, limitations, and outcomes of therapeutic shoulder scopingBoard-tested concepts d...
2025-12-1513 minSimini Boards CastChapter 71: Part C - The Stifle Episode: Meniscus, Cruciate, and the Fat Pad From HellIn 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 accessCruciate rupture patterns and what they look like from insideMeniscal tear types and how to detect them under tensionTips for fat pad control and visualizationTechniques for probing, resecting, and preserving joint structuresBoard-relevant terminolog...
2025-12-1511 minSimini Boards CastChapter 71: Part A - Arthroscopy: Inside the Joint Without Opening ItIn 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 what joint structures benefitPortal placement and distention techniques across the stifle, elbow, and shoulderScope navigation, tool use, and safe triangulationHow to use arthroscopy for both diagnosis and debridementComplications and how to minimize themHigh-yield testable content...
2025-12-1511 minSimini Boards CastChapter 71: Part B - The Elbow Episode: FCP, OCD & Incongruency Under the ScopeIn 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 learn:How elbow anatomy sets the stage for dysplasiaWhat imaging and intra-articular landmarks guide your scopeWhere to look for FCP and OCD lesionsHow incongruent joints appear — and how to measure or model itTreatment options for...
2025-12-1514 min
Simini Surgery Review: Equine EditionVeterinary Surgery Deep Dive: Equine Ortho & Soft Tissue — August 2025 EditionIn this Simini Equine Surgery Podcast episode, we explore two impactful studies from the August 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery, offering data-driven refinement for both orthopedic and soft tissue equine procedures.We cover:✅ Ruspi et al. — A 20-year retrospective on medial condylar fractures in 150 racehorses. Despite historical concern, survival to discharge was 98.7%, long-term survival 93.3%, and 71% returned to racing. However, plating came with 7× higher complication risk (28% vs. 4%) than lag screws alone—shaping a critical discussion on fixation choice.✅ Barnett et al. — A prospecti...
2025-10-2413 minSimini Surgery Review: Equine EditionVeterinary Surgery Deep Dive: Equine Ortho Part 2 — August 2025 EditionIn this Simini Equine Surgery Podcast episode, we unpack two orthopedic studies from the August 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery. These papers tackle both surgical mapping and cartilage regeneration—bringing fresh insights for accessing difficult anatomy and improving outcomes in mature horses.We cover:✅ Kerber et al. — A cadaveric study mapping the medial digital flexor tendon sheath (MDFTS) and evaluating the feasibility of needle endoscopy. Using a 2.4 mm needle scope and a two-portal technique, they successfully navigated this complex space and revealed multiple internal synovial folds that
2025-10-1712 minSimini Surgery Review: Equine EditionVeterinary Surgery Deep Dive: Equine Ortho Part 1 — August 2025 EditionIn this Simini Equine Surgery Podcast episode, we break down two clinical studies from the August 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery, both centered on smarter, more effective approaches to fetlock joint management—from first-line lavage to deep-pocket fragment removal.We cover:✅ Beggan et al. — An ex vivo study comparing needle-through-and-through lavage (NTA) to endoscopic lavage (EL) for equine joints. In both the fetlock and DFTS, NTA cleared debris just as well—especially in the first 2 liters, and even outperformed EL in early-stage flushing. But remember: EL remai...
2025-10-1014 minSimini Surgery Review: Equine EditionVeterinary Surgery Deep Dive: Equine Soft Tissue — July 2025 EditionIn this Simini Equine Surgery Podcast episode, we explore three practice-changing studies from the July 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery. These investigations revisit long-standing protocols around anesthesia recovery, antibiotic use, and colic prevention—each bringing new clarity to what works, what doesn’t, and why it matters.We cover:✅ Lindqvist et al. — A prospective crossover study evaluating an adjustable ceiling during anesthesia recovery in horses. Recovery quality scores improved dramatically, but with modest physiologic stress trade-offs.✅ Sjöberg et al. — A large retrospective review of over 200 hospital-managed suture castrations in stallions. Th...
2025-08-0818 minSimini Surgery Review: Equine EditionVeterinary Surgery Deep Dive: Equine Ortho — July 2025 EditionIn this Simini Equine Surgery Podcast episode, we examine three orthopedic-focused studies from the July 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery. From novel standing repair techniques to computer-assisted spinal fixation, this episode delivers fresh insights into return-to-work outcomes and high-stakes vertebral surgery.We cover:✅ Drahonovska et al. — Standing lag screw fixation for short, non-displaced frontal plane fractures of the dorsal P1. Six Thoroughbreds returned to racing with a 100% healing rate—highlighting a fast, effective alternative to GA for distal limb repair.✅ Esselman et al. — Return-to-performance outcomes in 34 Western performance horses with stifle cho...
2025-07-3119 minSimini Surgery Review: Equine EditionVeterinary Surgery Deep Dive: Equine Ortho & Soft Tissue— May 2025 EditionIn this Simini Equine Surgery Podcast episode, we explore two diagnostic turning points from the May 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery. One challenges how we interpret synovial fluid after fracture. The other examines new intraoperative tools for evaluating bowel viability in colic surgery. Both studies offer critical precision in moments that matter.We cover:✅ Mason et al. — A retrospective review of synovial samples from 54 horses with acute intra-articular fractures. The study shows that nucleated cell counts, protein levels, and neutrophil percentages often mimic septic arthritis within hours of trauma—risking misdiagnosis and overtr...
2025-07-1716 minSimini Surgery Review: Equine EditionVeterinary Surgery Deep Dive: Equine Soft Tissue— April 2025 EditionIn this episode of the Simini Equine Surgery Podcast, we shift from bone to soft tissue as we unpack three standout studies from the April 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery. This episode focuses on improving tendon health through evidence-based strategies—from how we cool, to how we scope, to how we cut.We cover three tendon-focused studies:✅ McCarthy et al. — Compression cooling systems vs. ice boots in flexor tendon care. If you use standing bandages or cold therapy post-op, this one’s for you.✅ Breen et al. — Needle endoscopy fo...
2025-07-1019 minSimini Surgery Review: Equine EditionVeterinary Surgery Deep Dive: Equine Ortho — April 2025 EditionIn this episode of the Simini Equine Surgery Podcast, we dive into the April 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery and explore two high-stakes orthopedic studies that redefine stabilization—one at the fetlock and pastern, and the other at the thoracolumbar spine.You’ll hear takeaways from two groundbreaking investigations:✅ Orozco Lopez et al. — Dual joint arthrodesis in racehorses with catastrophic suspensory failure. Discover how a human distal femur plate eliminated PIPJ subluxation—but didn’t eliminate infection risk.✅ Pezzanite et al. — A biomechanical comparison of pedicle screw rod constructs with and without inte...
2025-07-0312 min
Simini Chirurgia dei Piccoli Animali PodcastGennaio 2025 - Articoli da Veterinary Surgery |Tessuti Molli Piccoli Animali – Parte 2In questo episodio del Simini Piccoli Animali Chirurgia Podcast in italiano, approfondiamo due studi pubblicati su Veterinary Surgery nel 2025, entrambi focalizzati su chirurgia toracica nei piccoli animali. Parliamo di approcci chirurgici per la lobectomia del lobo accessorio e dell’uso innovativo della fluorescenza intraoperatoria per la mappatura del linfonodo sentinella.Pensato per specializzandi, chirurghi e clinici, l’episodio offre una lettura critica degli articoli con riflessioni cliniche pratiche e suggerimenti utili per la tua sala operatoria.Argomenti trattati:Confronto tra approcci sternale, intercostale e transdiaframmatico per lobectomiaEsposizione chirurgica vs invasività: come bilanciare?Mappa...
2025-07-0113 min
Simini sur la chirurgie des petits animaux PodcastTissus mous chez les petits animaux - Partie 1: Chirurgie thoracique (numéro de janvier 2025, Veterinary Surgery)Dans cet épisode francophone du Simini sur la chirurgie des petits animaux Podcast, nous explorons deux publications clés sur la chirurgie thoracique publiées dans Veterinary Surgery (édition de janvier 2025). En moins de 15 minutes, vous aurez un aperçu clinique utile pour affiner vos décisions chirurgicales dès demain matin.Articles au programme :Bulles pulmonaires découvertes par hasard au scanner – faut-il opérer ?Péricardectomie thoracoscopique latérale – une vraie alternative ?Résidents, praticiens, chirurgiens en prépa board — cette revue rapide vous donne les données, la nuance, et la pertinence clinique sans surcha...
2025-06-3014 min
Simini Podcast zur KleintierchirurgieWeichteilchirurgie Kleintier – Teil 1: Studien aus der Veterinary Surgery, Ausgabe Januar 2025,In dieser Folge des Simini-Podcasts zur Kleintierchirurgie analysieren wir zwei aktuelle Studien aus Veterinary Surgery zur Thoraxchirurgie beim Hund. Perfekt für Chirurg:innen, Residents und alle, die für die Fachprüfung lernen – klinisch relevant, evidenzbasiert und fokussiert auf das Wesentliche.Wir besprechen:Was tun bei zufällig gefundenen pulmonalen Bullae & Blebs?Ist eine prophylaktische Lungenresektion wirklich nötig?Neue Erkenntnisse zur thorakoskopischen Perikardiektomie in SeitenlageVorteile, Limitationen und klinische ImplikationenUnd natürlich: Was bedeutet das alles für Ihre OP-Entscheidungen?Prägnant, praxisnah und relevant – in unter 20 Minuten.📘 Zur vollständigen A...
2025-06-3015 minSimini Chirurgia dei Piccoli Animali PodcastGennaio 2025 - Articoli da Veterinary Surgery |Tessuti Molli Piccoli Animali – Parte 1In questo episodio del Simini Piccoli Animali Chirurgia Podcast, esaminiamo gli articoli principali del numero di Gennaio 2025 di Veterinary Surgery, con un focus sulla chirurgia dei tessuti molli nei piccoli animali. Pensato per specializzandi, clinici e chirurghi che si preparano all’esame, questa rassegna rapida ti aiuta a digerire le ultime ricerche in un solo tragitto.Gli argomenti includono:Riduzione del rischio di infezione del sito chirurgicoGestione del mucocele della colecistiEsiti della biopsia epatica laparoscopicaEffetti dell’analgesia sulla motilità intestinaleStampa 3D per la modellazione dell’ostruzione delle vie aereeE altro ancora — con commenti sulla rilevanza...
2025-06-2714 minSimini Boards CastExternal Skeletal Fixation: Frames, Forces & FailuresIn 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 types and when to use eachHow pin size, number, and placement affect stiffness and strainDifferences between linear, circular, and hybrid constructsWhy most failures come from overloading or under-thinking the frameBest practices for post...
2025-06-2421 minSimini sur la chirurgie des petits animaux PodcastOrthopédie – Partie 2 : Stabilisation du tarse & techniques mini-invasives (numéro de janvier 2025, Veterinary Surgery)Bienvenue dans cet épisode du Simini sur la chirurgie des petits animaux Podcast, votre mise à jour rapide et ciblée de la littérature scientifique vétérinaire.Dans cette deuxième édition orthopédique, nous nous concentrons sur deux études publiées dans le numéro de janvier 2025 de Veterinary Surgery. Ces articles proposent des approches cliniques concrètes pour la stabilisation du tarse chez le chien, en particulier après chirurgie de l’articulation tarsocrurale.🔹 Saitoh et al. (2025) — Évaluation rétrospective de l’utilisation d’une vis calcagnotibiale temporaire associée à une coaptation externe pour l...
2025-06-2414 minSimini Podcast zur KleintierchirurgieOrthopädische Einblicke – Teil 2: Tarsale Stabilisierung bei Hunden, Studien aus der Veterinary Surgery, Ausgabe Januar 2025🎙️ Willkommen zur zweiten orthopädischen Ausgabe des Simini-Podcasts zur Kleintierchirurgie.In dieser Folge analysieren wir zwei aktuelle Studien aus der Januar-Ausgabe 2025 der Fachzeitschrift Veterinary Surgery – beide mit direkt umsetzbaren Erkenntnissen zur Stabilisierung des Sprunggelenks bei Hunden.📘 Zur vollständigen Ausgabe von Veterinary Surgery (Januar 2025): https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/1532950x/2025/54/1Wir besprechen:🔹 Saitoh et al. (2024) – Eine temporäre kalkaneotibiale Schraube in Kombination mit äußerer Coaptation als effektive Methode zur postoperativen Ruhigstellung nach TCI-Reparatur – mit überraschend niedriger Komplikationsrate, auch bei Arbeitshunden.🔹...
2025-06-2312 minSimini Boards CastWhy Plates Break: Fatigue, Placement & the Screw That Did Too MuchIn 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 postoperativelyWhy implant fatigue is almost always a time + stress equationThe role of screw density, positioning, and load sharingHow over-engineering the construct can increase failureWhat to look for radiographically before the break happensHow to plan a revision — or avoid needing onePerfect for boards prep o...
2025-06-2319 minSimini Boards CastJoint Infection: Lavage, Culture, and SalvageIn 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 arthritisWhat diagnostic tools are reliable (and which aren’t)Indications and techniques for surgical vs. needle joint lavageWhat to expect from synovial fluid cytology and culturePost-lavage antibiotic strategies: local vs. systemicSalvage procedures when the joint won’t recoverWhether yo...
2025-06-2324 minSimini Boards CastAmputation & Limb Salvage: Decision-Making Beyond the CutIn 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 salvageKey factors influencing functional outcome after amputationSurgical options for partial limb salvage: endoprostheses, allografts, CVOsHow to evaluate patient selection, comorbidities, and owner capacityDecision-making in osteosarcoma, non-reconstructable fractures, and infectionPost-op expectations and long-term function — myth vs. realityFrom oncologic planning...
2025-06-2023 minSimini Boards CastDistraction Osteogenesis: Lengthening Done RightIn 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 when and how it works—and what happens when you violate the rules of biology.You’ll learn:How intramembranous ossification—not callus formation—drives distraction-based bone growthWhy 1 mm/day, split...
2025-06-2022 minSimini Boards CastConservative Ortho: When Not to CutIn 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 surgeryWhat stability looks like radiographically and clinicallyThe role of load-sharing vs. load-sparing in conservative successWhen cage rest, slings, or splints work — and when they backfireRisks of fibrous union, joint stiffness, and disuse atrophyCommunication strategies to help clients commit to non-operative careFrom pelvic fractures to scapular bodies and greenstick lesio...
2025-06-1918 minSimini Boards CastMechanisms of Fracture Fixation FailureIn 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 things go wrong—and how to catch them before they do.We cover:Mechanical Failures — From overly stiff plates to implant fatigue, working length errors, and even material defects linked to corrosion and rare neopla...
2025-06-1918 minSimini Boards CastReading the Radiograph Like a SurgeonIn 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 ORHow to assess fracture location, type, and displacement with purposeWhy the soft tissues often tell you what happened before the bone brokeWhich radiographic findings alter fixation strategyWhen to get more views — and when you already have what you needCase-based examples to test your interpretation and decision-makingThis is not just about passing the boards — it’s about building...
2025-06-1816 minSimini Boards CastHip Luxation: Why It Fails (and How to Keep It In)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 itWhy craniodorsal luxation is the rule, not the exceptionPros and cons of closed reduction — and why it often failsSurgical options: toggle pinning, capsulorrhaphy, prosthetic round ligamentWhen to give up on the native joint and opt for salvageTips for reducing recurrence, improving post-op stability, and managing owner expectationsWhether you're pre...
2025-06-1815 minSimini sur la chirurgie des petits animaux PodcastOrthopédie – Partie 1 : Articles du numéro de janvier 2025 de Veterinary SurgeryDans cet épisode, nous vous proposons un condensé pratique des dernières avancées en chirurgie orthopédique chez les petits animaux. Nous décortiquons trois articles publiés dans le numéro de janvier 2025 de Veterinary Surgery, avec des implications cliniques concrètes à mettre en œuvre dès demain matin au bloc opératoire.📌 Au programme :🦴 Approche modifiée pour l’arthroscopie du tarse chez le chien (Cruciani et al., 2024)🦴 Impact de la PTH sans ciment sur la croissance fémorale chez le chiot (Forzisi et al., 2025)🦴 Précision des mesures acétabulaires pour la planification des PTH...
2025-06-1822 minSimini Podcast zur KleintierchirurgieOrthopädie – Teil 1: Studien aus der Veterinary Surgery, Ausgabe Januar 2025Dies ist die erste von zwei Episoden des Simini-Podcasts zur Kleintierchirurgie, die sich den orthopädischen Fachartikeln der Januar-Ausgabe 2025 der Veterinary Surgery widmen. In kompakter Form besprechen wir drei Studien, die unmittelbare Relevanz für Ihre chirurgische Entscheidungsfindung haben.Wir analysieren:Eine modifizierte Portalplatzierung für die Arthroskopie bei OCD im Tarsalgelenk (Cruciani et al.)Den Einfluss einer zementfreien Totalendoprothese auf das Femurlängenwachstum bei jungen Hunden (Forzisi et al.)Den Vergleich dreier Methoden zur präoperativen Bestimmung der Pfannengröße bei THR (Wilson et al.)👂 Jetzt reinhören für chirurgische Takeaways, klinisch rel...
2025-06-1723 minSimini Boards CastOsteomyelitis & Biofilm: When Bugs Hide in BoneIn 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 antibioticsThe difference between acute and chronic osteomyelitisWhich bacteria are most commonly involved — and what they stick toWhen to debride, when to remove implants, and when to stage reconstructionThe role of local vs. systemic antibiotic therapyHow to recognize implant-associated infection and what happens if you miss itWhether you're facing a draining tract, a failed repair...
2025-06-1716 minSimini Boards CastNerve Injuries in Ortho: When to Fix, When to WaitIn 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, neurotmesisWhat clinical signs suggest functional recovery — and which don’tHow to manage radial nerve injuries in humeral fracturesTiming of exploration vs. conservative monitoringSurgical nerve repair principles: tension, orientation, graftingPrognosis, timelines, and pitfalls to avoid during fracture stabilization near neurovascular bundlesWhether you’re facing a dropped paw, an absent withdrawal, or an iatrogenic complication, this episode gives you a prac...
2025-06-1616 minSimini Boards CastBone Grafting & Substitutes: What Actually Helps HealingIn 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 osteoconductionWhy cancellous autografts are still the gold standard — and their limitationsThe rise of graft substitutes: demineralized bone matrix, ceramics, stem cell scaffoldsWhen to use structural grafts vs. biological stimulatorsBoard-level distinctions between graft types and their propertiesPractical guidance for fracture repair, delayed union, arthrodesis, and spinal fusionThis episode helps you sort through the options so you’re n...
2025-06-1624 minSimini Boards CastPediatric Orthopedics: What’s Different When They’re Still GrowingIn 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 treatmentThe Salter-Harris fracture classification and growth disturbance riskWhat to do (and what to avoid) when fixing injuries near open physesThe role of periosteum in pediatric healing — and remodeling potentialImplant selection and positioning for growing boneBoard-style case reviews with growth plate complication managementThis is essential for boards and real-life practice — because treating young animals like small adul...
2025-06-1216 minSimini Surgery Review: Equine EditionVeterinary Surgery Deep Dive: Equine Soft Tissue —February 2025 EditionIn this Equine Soft Tissue Deep Dive, we examine two high-impact surgical studies from the February 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery — one focused on gastrointestinal reconstruction, and the other on an aggressive but effective approach to perianal melanomas.Covered in this episode:A direct in vivo comparison of end-to-side vs. side-to-side jejunecostomyA radical excision approach for perianal melanomas in standing, sedated horsesPost-op considerations: colic risk, fecal output, wound healing, and owner communicationThis is a clinical distillation of two technically demanding but impactful procedures — designed to help you weigh techniques, prepare for complications, and manage expectations.
2025-06-1113 minSimini Boards CastCorrective Osteotomy: Planning to Shift Force, Not Just ShapeIn 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 linesHow deformity affects loading and cartilage wearWhy identifying the CORA is critical for precise correctionPlanning for single-plane and multi-plane correctionsFixation considerations after angular realignmentCommon mistakes and how to avoid creating new deformitiesThis is essential listening for residents tackling angular limb deformities, post-traumatic malunions, or growth disturbances — and for any surgeon who wants to cut wi...
2025-06-1017 minSimini Boards CastBiomechanics of Locking Plates: Fixed Angle Isn’t Always BetterIn 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 standpointWhy fixed-angle doesn’t always mean stronger or more stableThe concept of working length, strain environment, and stress distributionWhen locking plates shine — and when they failCommon failure modes: cold welding, screw breakage, and stress shieldingTips for strategic plate selection based on fracture type, bone quality, and load demandsWhether you're stabilizing a comminuted shaft or debating...
2025-06-0922 minSimini Boards CastStress Shielding & Bone Loss: When Stability Hurts HealingIn 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 shieldingWhy Wolff’s Law applies in both directionsHow over-stiff constructs reduce callus and remodel poorlyWhere stress shielding leads to cortical thinning, screw loosening, or implant failureStrategies to minimize shielding through plate length, screw number, and implant selectionBoard-style case examples and recovery insightsIf you’ve ever questioned whether your fixation was too rigid — or wondered why a perfectly stable repair still failed — this episode connects the dots b...
2025-06-0919 minSimini Boards CastOsteochondrosis & OCD: Cracks in Growing CartilageIn 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 ossificationWhy vascular supply and cartilage thickness matterHow OCD flaps form — and what makes them painfulTypical lesion sites: shoulder, elbow, stifle, tarsusSurgical options: curettage, fragment removal, microfracture, graftingPrognosis by site — and when to expect arthritis despite treatmentThis is a foundational lesion — not just for exams, but for real-life management of lame young dogs. Let’s break down the crack.—🎁...
2025-06-0618 minSimini Boards CastCruciate Ligament Rupture: Beyond the TPLOIn 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—processThe biomechanics behind cranial tibial thrust and passive constraintHow alignment, slope, and conformation influence surgical planningWhen TPLO isn’t the right answer — and what to do insteadLateral suture, CBLO, TTA, and conservative options: pros and pitfallsHow to handle the partially torn cruciate and emerging diagnosticsThis episode is for anyone who wants to understand not just h...
2025-06-0619 minSimini Boards CastTotal Joint Replacement: Hip, Elbow & Knee EssentialsIn 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 mattersModular vs. monobloc implants — and what surgeons are choosingElbow replacement: options, outcomes, and the mechanical challenge of congruityStifle replacement: where it’s going and why it’s still uncommonComplication patterns: infection, luxation, aseptic looseningWhen salvage is better than replacement — and how to make that callWhether you’re preparing for boards, planning a referral, or trying to avoid catast...
2025-06-0522 minSimini Boards CastPatellar Luxation: Realignment & Rebalancing ForcesIn 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 laterallyHow to assess limb alignment: femoral torsion, tibial rotation, trochlear depthSurgical options: tibial tuberosity transposition (TTT), trochleoplasty, wedge recession, imbricationPlanning surgical intervention based on Q-angle, trochlear wear, and tibial alignmentPostoperative pitfalls, complications, and board-style scenario reviewsWhether you’re facing a limping Yorkie or reviewing for your next board case, this episode puts all the...
2025-06-0524 minSimini Boards CastArticular Surface Reconstruction: Grafting, CVOs & SalvageIn 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 injuryOsteochondral autografts, allografts, and synthetic optionsCorrective valgus and varus osteotomies (CVOs) and how they redistribute loadHow to use realignment to buy time or avoid joint replacementSalvage strategies: excision arthroplasty, arthrodesis, and the trade-offs involvedBoard-relevant distinctions between cartilage resurfacing and functional joint preservationIf you’ve ever been stuck between “repair it” and “replace it,” this episode breaks down what’s possible, what’s reasonable — and when salvage is the smarte...
2025-06-0417 minSimini Boards CastArthrodesis: When Motion is the ProblemIn 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 mistakePrinciples of surgical joint fusion, from joint prep to compression and alignmentCommon sites for arthrodesis (carpus, tarsus, elbow, shoulder) and their differencesHow to plan angles and avoid mechanical overloadComplications: implant failure, fracture, malalignment, and limb dysfunctionCase-based board questions and a review of fixation strategy, grafting, and outcomesIf you’ve ever faced a chronically unstable joint or a failed reconstruction, this episode gives you th...
2025-06-0421 minSimini Surgery Review: Equine EditionVeterinary Surgery Deep Dive: Equine Soft Tissue —January 2025 EditionIn this second installment of our Equine Soft Tissue Deep Dive, we spotlight another set of key studies from the January 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery — focused on improving mechanical outcomes and minimizing complications after GI and tendon surgery.We cover:Biomechanics of large colon colopexy: suture pattern vs. bite depthComparative outcomes of small intestinal anastomosis with stapled techniquesOne- vs. two-layer descending colon closures: trade-offs in size and strengthFull-thickness biopsy techniques: punch vs. wedge vs. forcepsIntrathecal enalapril to reduce tendon sheath adhesions after injuryAs always, our focus is translating the research into practical guidance you ca...
2025-06-0424 minSimini Boards CastMeniscal Mechanics: Load Transmission, Injury & ResectionIn 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 meniscusHow hoop stress and load distribution maintain joint healthThe impact of cruciate rupture on meniscal mechanicsWhy meniscal injuries persist post-TPLO — and how to detect themSurgical approaches: partial meniscectomy, meniscal release, and what’s lost with eachBoard-focused insight on conservative management and long-term prognosisIf you’ve ever debated whether to cut, release, or leave it alone — this episode wi...
2025-06-0317 minSimini Boards CastOrthobiologics: PRP, MSCs & the Biologic Fix ToolboxIn 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 meansHow PRP is made, what it contains, and why concentration mattersThe difference between bone marrow-derived and adipose-derived MSCsThe three mechanisms of action: differentiation, signaling, and scaffoldingHow biologics fit into healing tendon, ligament, bone, and cartilage injuriesThe hype vs. evidence around their use in real patientsRegulatory, economic, and practical limitations in veterinary settingsIf you’ve ever wanted to sort fact fro...
2025-06-0322 min
Simini Surgery Review: Small Animal EditionFast Track Update: VetSurg Key Ortho Studies – April 2025 EditionIn this Simini Surgery Podcast Fast Track Update episode, we tackle the complex biomechanics and frustrating biology of tendon and ligament healing.We cover:The shape and phases of the stress-strain curveWhy tendons and ligaments fail differently than boneThe three stages of healing: inflammation, proliferation, remodelingWhy healed tissue is never as strong — and how scar tissue disrupts force transferRepair strategies: Krackow vs. locking loop, suture tension, and rehab timingWhy conservative management often fails, and how to reduce re-rupture riskIf you’ve ever wondered why a repaired tendon still ruptures — or why scarred ligaments lose propri...
2025-06-0326 minSimini Boards CastCartilage Injury & Repair: When It Doesn’t Grow BackIn 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 capacityHow chondrocyte metabolism, avascularity, and matrix structure limit healingThe difference between hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage repairWhat makes superficial vs. full-thickness cartilage injuries behave differentlySurgical techniques like abrasion arthroplasty, drilling, microfracture, and osteochondral autograftsThe emerging (but still inconsistent) role of stem cells, scaffolds, and growth factorsWhether you’re managing an osteochondral flap, reviewing arthroscopy images, or prepping for boards...
2025-06-0320 minSimini Boards CastUlnar Growth Arrest: When the Radius Keeps GoingIn 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 closureHow continued radial growth creates predictable deformitiesThe “radius curvus” pattern: valgus, procurvatum, and external rotationDiagnosis using joint orientation angles and axis mismatchSurgical options including ulnar ostectomy, radial osteotomy, and growth modulationWhen to intervene — and how to avoid overcorrection or joint collapseThis is the episode that connects growth plate injury, biomechanics, and surgical strategy — all in one high-yield package.—🎁 Cla...
2025-06-0212 minSimini Boards CastTendon & Ligament Healing: The Stress-Strain RealityIn 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 behaviorWhy these tissues fail differently from bone — and heal slowerThe inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases of healingScar tissue vs. organized collagen — and what that means for biomechanicsWhy stretching, immobilization, and timing matterCommon injuries (Achilles, biceps, collateral ligaments) and real-world strategies for surgical vs. conservative repairIf you’ve ever wondered why tendons rupture, re-rupture, or just don’t recove...
2025-06-0213 minSimini Boards CastAngular Limb Deformities: Axis, Angles & CORA — Part IIIn 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 osteotomyHow rotation, translation, and implant planning interactClinical scenarios that demand smooth vs. angular correctionsPlanning pitfalls that lead to overcorrection, undercorrection, or instabilityCase-based application and board-style questions to reinforce key decision pointsThis is the step between understanding deformity and surgically fixing it — and a must-know for any surgeon tackling limb alignment.—🎁 Claim y...
2025-05-3118 minSimini Boards CastAngular Limb Deformities: Axis, Angles & CORA — Part IIn 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 axesJoint orientation angles (JFSA, LDFA, MPTA, JLCA) — and what “normal” looks likeHow to define and locate the CORA (Center of Rotation of Angulation)When to consider translation — and when it means you got the CORA wrongTools for recognizing and classifying single vs. multi-plane deformitiesWith clear diagrams and board-focused questions woven throughout, this episode is...
2025-05-3021 minSimini Boards CastPhyseal Fractures — Growth Plates Under PressureIn 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 sitesWhy initial wound care sets the stage for surgical success (or failure)The Gustilo-Anderson open fracture classification — and what it predictsWhen to debride, what to remove, and when to stabilizeInternal vs. external fixation, and the role of bone graftingCommon complications and how to mitigate themA framework for real-world triage and revision planningThis episode offers practical, high-yield guidance on a topic wh...
2025-05-3019 minSimini Boards CastOrthopedic Healing Gone Wrong — Implant Failure, Non-Union & InfectionIn 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 failureInterlocking nail fatigue and screw pulloutLag screw and plate biomechanicsLocking plate failure patterns in poor-quality boneThe concept of Elastic Plate Osteosynthesis for juvenilesAnd how to think critically about construct selection, strain distribution, and revision planningWe also test your knowledge with a board-style case on managing a comminuted fracture in poor-quality bone. If you’ve ever...
2025-05-3017 minSimini Boards CastExternal Skeletal Fixation: Frames, Forces & FailuresIn this packed episode of BoardCast, we tackle the engineering behind orthopedic repair — focusing on the forces that implants face, the frames surgeons build to control them, and how failures happen when mechanics are mismatched to biology.Topics covered:Stress-strain behavior of materials and how it dictates implant functionLoad-sharing vs. load-bearing constructs: when the implant helps, and when it carries everythingBiomechanics of cerclage wire, IM pins, interlocking nails, and locking platesPlate modes: compression, neutralization, buttress, and bridgingPlate-rod combinations and how to balance stiffness vs. healing motionA board-style case + flashcard-style recap to test retentionPerfect for an...
2025-05-3039 minSimini Boards CastInterlocking Nails: Why They Work (and When They Don’t)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 fracturesThe difference between static and dynamic locking — and when to use eachArea moment of inertia, angular stability, and central vs. eccentric loadingWhen ILNs outperform plates and pins — and when they don’tFailure risks, from screw misses to biological complicationsHow newer angle-stable designs may push outcomes even furtherThis is essential knowledge for any surgeon thinki...
2025-05-3018 minSimini Boards CastLocking Plates vs. Conventional Plates: Friction, Fixed Angles & Fracture RepairIn 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 methodWhy screw purchase and bone quality matter (or don’t)Eccentric vs. central loading and how implants fail under stressThe biomechanics of interlocking nails and how they differWhat implant to choose for a given fracture pattern and patient conditionThe critical role of construct design in clinical successIf you're preparing fo...
2025-05-2918 minSimini Boards CastPlate Application Strategy: Forces, Failures & Fixation FundamentalsIn 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 mattersWorking length: what it is, how it affects compliance, and when flexibility helps or hurtsBiomechanics of different plating techniques: compression, neutralization, bridging, and elastic osteosynthesisFailure modes: bending, fatigue, screw pullout — and how locking plates shift the riskHow interlocking nails stack up against plates and when to combine constructsThis is not just for board prep — it’s a must-have...
2025-05-2913 minSimini Boards CastBug Wars – Board Brawl: 8 Questions to Lock It InYou 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 questionsPause to answerDetailed breakdown of correct and incorrect choicesFlashcard recap at the end💡 Topics include:Time- vs. concentration-dependent killMIC vs. MPC vs. PAEStatic + cidal combo pitfallsSporicidal agents & antiseptic limitationsEnantiomers, fat solubility, and sighthound drug metabolismBuilt to reinforce the essentials from the full Bug Wars arc. Rap...
2025-05-2521 minSimini Boards CastBug Wars IV: The Outside Battle — Disinfectants, Antiseptics & SterilizationYou 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 tissueWhich agents kill spores (and which leave them behind)The real reason chlorhex sticks around — and why povidone-iodine doesn’tWhat makes hydrogen peroxide bubble (and why that means no...
2025-05-2520 minSimini Boards CastBug Wars III: Combo Killers — Synergy, Antagonism, and When It All Goes WrongYou 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 antagonismWhy static + cidal combos can cancel each other outWhich combinations actually work (and why)When to combine, when to de-escalate, and when to walk awayToxicity overlap, PK/PD interactions, and board-level traps to avoid💡 Includes a board-style question + f...
2025-05-2514 minSimini Boards CastBug Wars II: Time vs. Concentration — How Dosing Kills (or Fails)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 killingKey PK/PD metrics like Time > MIC, Cmax/MIC, and AUC/MICWhy some antibiotics demand frequent small doses while others want big hitsHow drug class, site of infection, and patient phy...
2025-05-2415 minSimini Surgery Review: Equine EditionVeterinary Surgery Deep Dive: Equine Ortho — January 2025 EditionIn this Equine-Ortho Deep Dive, we explore three surgical innovations targeting the distal limb — all featured in top-tier journals and focused on practical gains in precision, stability, and recovery.In this episode, we cover:Accuracy gains with a vertek aiming device (VAD) during computer-assisted surgery of the distal sesamoid boneA new compression aiming device for navicular bone fractures using standard radiographyOutcomes from standing sedation surgery for hoof wall masses like keratomas — including surgical technique and long-term recovery dataIf you're working on lower limb cases in horses, this update brings clarity to both novel devices and...
2025-05-2321 minSimini Boards CastBug Wars I: How Antimicrobials Kill (And Why It Fails Without You)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 drugsThe mechanisms of action for the major antimicrobial classesWhy folic acid synthesis inhibition is a double-drug strategyHow to choose the right kill style for the right patientTime-dependent vs. concentration-dependent antibiotics...
2025-05-2214 minSimini Boards CastImplant Mechanics 101: Load Sharing vs. Load Bearing — Why Constructs FailIn 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 bearingWhat happens when implants are too stiff or too weakWhen to use bridging vs. compressionWhy implant selection = healing environmentCommon board traps...
2025-05-2214 minSimini Boards CastBone Healing & Strain: Why Fixation Fails (and What Actually Heals Bone)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 healingWhy interfragmentary strain (IFS) controls tissue differentiationHow to match fixation strategy to fracture typeWhat constructs fail and why — and how to avoid itIncludes a board-style question, a flashcard recap, and a few “don’t make this mistake” moments.🎧 Built for...
2025-05-2215 minSimini Boards CastFracture Biomechanics: What Forces Break Bone (and Fix It)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:TensionCompressionShearBendingTorsionYou’ll learn:How each force works (with simple analogies you won’t forget)Why implants fail — and how to choose the right oneHow to spot board-style traps related to fixationAnd a rapid-fire recap to lock it all inBuilt for small animal surgery residents prepping for boards, this episode delivers fast clarity, zero fluff, and real s...
2025-05-2011 minSimini Surgery Review: Small Animal EditionScalpel & Silicon: Using ChatGPT for Faster Discharge SummariesIn this episode of Scalpel & Silicon in the Simini Surgery Review Podcast, we explore how small animal surgeons can save time on documentation by using ChatGPT to draft discharge summaries—without sacrificing clinical quality.You’ll learn:What ChatGPT is and how it’s already used in clinical settings [00:00:59]A step-by-step workflow to generate clean, professional summaries [00:02:43]How to go even faster using the Simini SOAP Assistant—a free custom GPT built for veterinary teams [00:04:17]And how to try Simini Protect Lavage risk-free in your next orthopedic closure [00:09:35]This podcast is about pra...
2025-04-1610 min