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Mastering Orthovellum: Your Complete Guide to Exam Success

Discover how to use every feature of Orthovellum to maximise your FRACS exam preparation. From MCQs to Vivas, we've got you covered.

O
Orthovellum Team
10 January 2025
4 min read

Quick Summary

Discover how to use every feature of Orthovellum to maximise your FRACS exam preparation. From MCQs to Vivas, we've got you covered.

Mastering Orthovellum: Your Complete Guide to Exam Success

Orthovellum isn't just another study resource—it's a comprehensive exam preparation ecosystem designed specifically for orthopaedic surgery trainees. This guide will help you unlock the full potential of our platform.

The Orthovellum Philosophy

We built Orthovellum on three core principles:

  1. Evidence-Based Content - Every topic is referenced with current literature
  2. Active Learning - Interactive features that promote retention
  3. Exam-Focused - Content structured around what examiners actually ask

Feature Deep Dive

📚 Topic Library (896 Topics)

Our comprehensive topic library covers every subspecialty with a consistent, exam-focused structure:

SectionPurpose
Visual One-PagerQuick reference summary
Anatomy & PathophysiologyFoundation knowledge
ClassificationMust-know systems
Clinical PresentationHistory and examination
InvestigationsImaging and labs
ManagementConservative and surgical
ComplicationsWhat can go wrong
Exam Cheat SheetHigh-yield facts

Pro Tip: Start with Priority A topics in your weakest subspecialty. The priority system reflects examiner preferences.

🎯 MCQ Practice

Our MCQ module features over 5,000 questions in X-Type format (the actual exam format):

  • Timed Mode - Simulate exam conditions
  • Review Mode - Learn at your own pace
  • Subspecialty Focus - Target weak areas
  • Performance Analytics - Track your progress

The key to MCQ success is understanding why answers are correct or incorrect. Our detailed explanations include:

  • Relevant anatomy
  • Key references
  • Common misconceptions
  • Links to related topics

🖼️ ISAWE Scenarios

Image interpretation is crucial for the exam. Our ISAWE module provides:

  • 500+ Scenarios - Radiographs, MRIs, clinical photos
  • Timed Practice - 2 minutes per scenario (like the real exam)
  • Structured Marking - Know exactly what earns marks
  • Difficulty Progression - Build confidence gradually

🎤 Viva Preparation

The viva is where exams are won or lost. Orthovellum helps you:

  • Practice with realistic scenarios
  • Learn the "examiner mindset"
  • Understand common traps
  • Develop structured answers

📖 Operative Surgery Database

Access 1,669 Grade A operative techniques with:

  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Key pearls and pitfalls
  • Evidence-based tips
  • Complication management

Creating Your Study Plan

Weeks 1-4: Foundation Phase

  • Complete high-priority topics in each subspecialty
  • Focus on understanding, not memorisation
  • Do 20-30 MCQs daily in untimed mode

Weeks 5-8: Consolidation Phase

  • Revisit topics using spaced repetition
  • Increase MCQ volume to 50 per day
  • Start timed ISAWE practice
  • Begin viva scenario practice

Weeks 9-12: Exam Simulation Phase

  • Full mock exams weekly
  • Focus on exam technique
  • Timed MCQs exclusively
  • Daily viva practice

Community Features

Don't study in isolation! Our community forum offers:

  • Discussion Boards - Ask questions, share insights
  • Study Groups - Connect with fellow candidates
  • Resource Sharing - Helpful materials from the community
  • Expert Q&A - Periodic sessions with consultants

Mobile-First Design

Study anywhere with our responsive design:

  • Full functionality on tablets and phones
  • Offline access for premium features
  • Progress synced across devices
  • Dark mode for late-night study sessions

Getting Help

Stuck on something? We're here to help:

  • Community Forum - Peer support 24/7
  • Feedback Form - Report issues or suggest improvements
  • FAQ Section - Common questions answered

Ready to start? Head to the Topics section and begin your journey to exam success. Remember: consistent daily effort beats cramming every time.

Good luck with your preparation!

The Orthovellum Team

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Mastering Orthovellum: Your Complete Guide to Exam Success | OrthoVellum