American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Part II Oral Examination

The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Part II Oral Examination is a certification assessment for orthopaedic surgeons who have completed residency and are pursuing board certification. It evaluates how candidates apply clinical judgment to patient care and surgical practice, rather than testing knowledge through a conventional multiple-choice format. Eligibility depends on meeting ABOS requirements, which generally include passing the Part I examination and satisfying current practice, case-list, and application criteria. Candidates should confirm the details in the official ABOS materials for their examination cycle.

Preparation centers on the cases and clinical decisions candidates may be asked to discuss, including diagnosis, indications, treatment alternatives, complications, and outcomes. Relevant review areas include orthopaedic trauma and fracture management, adult reconstruction and arthroplasty, sports medicine and ligament injuries, and spine disorders and surgical management. Strong preparation means being able to explain the reasoning behind a plan, recognize limitations, and reflect on results—not simply recall facts. Review the current ABOS guidance for case-list requirements and examination procedures, since policies may change between cycles.