FRCS viva: they kept digging until I admitted what I'd change

The adult reconstruction viva started with an uncomplicated TKR case and progressively asked me to justify each surgical choice — approach, implant design, fixation strategy. It felt like they were satisfied until the final question: 'What would you do differently if the implant had been cementless?' The examiner later told my consultant that they wanted to see whether I understood the principles behind my choices rather than just reciting a protocol. Being able to argue both sides of a decision is what separates a pass from a clear pass.