What are the 9 ABOS scoring dimensions?

The ABOS Part II oral exam evaluates candidates across 9 standardized scoring dimensions. Each dimension is scored from 0 to 3 by both examiners in every session, creating a comprehensive profile of the candidate's clinical competence. Understanding these dimensions is essential because they define exactly what you are being evaluated on — and therefore what you should practice.

The 9 dimensions are: (1) Data Gathering — how you collect and present patient information; (2) Diagnosis — your ability to arrive at and articulate the correct diagnosis; (3) Applied Anatomy — demonstrating relevant anatomical knowledge during case discussion; (4) Surgical Indications — showing sound judgment about when surgery is and is not appropriate; (5) Treatment Planning — articulating a logical, well-reasoned treatment approach; (6) Technical Skill — describing your surgical technique and key decision points; (7) Complication Management — discussing complications with composure and a systematic management plan; (8) Outcomes Assessment — evaluating results and demonstrating self-reflection; (9) Applied Basic Science — integrating relevant basic science into your clinical reasoning.

Each dimension carries equal weight, which surprises many candidates who assume surgical technique is weighted most heavily. In practice, the dimensions where candidates lose the most points are data gathering (disorganized presentations), complication management (defensiveness), and surgical indications (failure to discuss non-operative alternatives). Ortho Board Prep's scoring feedback maps directly to these 9 dimensions, showing candidates exactly where they need improvement.