Editorial Policy
Our commitment to accuracy, quality, and transparency in orthopaedic surgery education.
Last updated: February 2026
Our Editorial Mission
OrthoVellum is dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based educational content for orthopaedic surgery trainees preparing for fellowship examinations including the FRACS (Australia/New Zealand), FRCS (United Kingdom/Ireland), and ABOS (United States) board certifications.
We recognise the critical importance of accuracy in medical education. Incorrect or outdated information can lead to poor examination outcomes and, more importantly, may affect clinical decision-making. Our editorial process is designed to minimise errors and ensure that all content reflects current best practices in orthopaedic surgery.
Content Creation Process
Research & Sourcing
Topics are researched using peer-reviewed journals, established orthopaedic textbooks, and current clinical practice guidelines. Key sources include the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, and authoritative textbooks such as Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics and Rockwood & Green's Fractures in Adults.
Expert Authorship
Content is authored by qualified orthopaedic surgeons and senior trainees who have direct experience with the relevant fellowship examinations. Authors bring clinical experience and examination-specific knowledge to each topic.
Quality Scoring
Every topic is evaluated against a comprehensive 56-point quality scoring system that assesses clinical accuracy, completeness, examination relevance, pedagogical effectiveness, and adherence to evidence-based medicine principles.
Publication & Monitoring
Published content is continuously monitored for accuracy. When new evidence emerges or guidelines change, affected topics are flagged for review and updated promptly.
Content Standards
Clinical Accuracy
All clinical information, including diagnoses, classifications, investigations, and management algorithms, must be supported by current peer-reviewed evidence or established clinical guidelines.
Evidence Referencing
Key clinical statements are supported by references to landmark studies, systematic reviews, and established orthopaedic literature. We prioritise Level I and II evidence where available.
Examination Relevance
Content is structured to align with the format and expectations of fellowship examinations. Topics include viva scenarios, MCQ-style questions, and structured clinical assessment formats used in FRACS, FRCS, and ABOS examinations.
Australian Clinical Context
Where applicable, content includes Australian-specific references including Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) data, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication availability, and electronic Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG).
Imaging & Media
Medical images are sourced from open-access repositories including the NIH Open-i database and Wikimedia Commons, with proper attribution. All images are visually verified for accuracy before inclusion.
No Commercial Bias
Content is free from commercial influence. We do not accept sponsored content, and no industry relationships influence our clinical recommendations or educational materials.
Content Review & Updates
Medical knowledge evolves continuously. We are committed to keeping our content current through regular review cycles. Topics are prioritised for review based on:
- Publication of new clinical guidelines or consensus statements
- Major landmark studies that change clinical practice
- Updates to classification systems or surgical techniques
- Changes to Australian healthcare regulations or PBS listings
- Feedback from users, examiners, and subject matter experts
Each topic page displays a “Last Updated” date so users can verify the currency of the information.
Medical Disclaimer
OrthoVellum is an educational resource designed exclusively for orthopaedic surgery trainees and qualified medical professionals. The content is intended for examination preparation and continuing medical education purposes only.
The information provided does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for direct clinical assessment, specialist consultation, or individualised patient care. Clinical decisions should always be made in the context of individual patient circumstances, local practice guidelines, and the treating clinician's professional judgement.
Corrections & Feedback
We welcome feedback from the orthopaedic community. If you identify an error, have a suggestion for improvement, or would like to contribute as an author or reviewer, please contact our editorial team: