What are the ABOS Part II case list requirements?

The ABOS requires candidates to submit a comprehensive case list from their independent surgical practice. This list must include a minimum number of cases across specific orthopaedic categories, and it must represent cases where the candidate was the primary surgeon. Cases performed during residency or fellowship do not count, the Board is evaluating your independent practice.

The case list must include all consecutive operative cases where you were the primary surgeon during a six-month collection period beginning January 1 of the year prior to your exam. The list should include sufficient volume across the required categories: trauma, sports, adult reconstruction, spine, hand/upper extremity, foot/ankle, pediatrics, and tumor. Each case requires specific documentation: patient demographics (de-identified), diagnosis, procedure performed, and outcome. The ABOS provides detailed templates and submission instructions through their online portal.

Candidates frequently underestimate the time required to compile and organize their case list. Starting early is critical, most successful candidates begin collecting cases at least 6 months before the submission deadline. Every case on your list is fair game for the oral exam, so you need to be prepared to discuss any of them in detail. Ortho Board Prep helps candidates organize their case files and prepare structured summaries for each case, ensuring nothing is left to chance on exam day.