FRCR 2B Examiners' Reports

This article is from a transcript of a webinar hosted by Dr Koshy Jacob. We recommend this article for radiology students preparing to sit their FRCR 2B exam.

It can be quite confusing to sit the FRCR 2B Exams because they have a reputation for being clinical Exams. This makes them different from the FRCR Part 2A Exams which are knowledge-based. Often, our members get overwhelmed when they start their preparation.

I have looked at the Examiners' reports after each FRCR 2B Examination. The reports have succinct explanations of candidates' mistakes in each part. I have summarised their observations and put them together as tips for the Exam. I recommend you read these before you begin your revision.

Rapid Reporting

• The most important thing with rapid reporting is to ensure you identify abnormalities accurately.

• Normal variants that cause symptoms are not included as abnormalities. (Like accessory navicular, supracondylar spur, etc.). But if you get normal variants, you must mark them as normal.

• Minor changes due to degenerative arthritis are normal.

A lot of candidates get messed up because they over-call.

This is the most common mistake that people make. They over-call because they look at every line and mention it.

Or they under-call, which shows that you haven't done enough Radiology. That's why you under-call.

• Now, it's very important that you identify whether a fracture is pathological. If you have a fracture through a bone cyst, you've got to identify the abnormality as a 'fracture through a bone cyst.' Saying fracture is not enough. If it's pathological, you need to mention that.

• It's critical to describe the anatomical position of an identified fracture. You've got to say fracture base or transverse fracture base or fifth metatarsal.

• Identify all the fractures in a well-recognised fracture complex. If you see Holly's fracture, mention the fractures in it and where a second fracture could be.

• Zoom in plain images to get the best spatial resolution.

• It is important to distinguish between unilateral and bilateral facet dislocation. Also between fracture-dislocations and isolated fractures.

• Do not note only one fracture in paired bones which tend to fracture together. For example, radius and ulna, tibia and fibula.

• Do note only one fracture in a ring structure, like the pelvis or the mandible.

• Candidates are often poor in the interpretation of cervical spine radiographs. Even where they have identified an abnormality, they misclassify it. You would do well to look at many spine fractures and facet dislocations, facet fractures. Get used to doing them.

Do you want a large selection of high-quality cervical spine radiographs? They are available in packets that simulate the FRCR 2B Exam on www.reviseradiology.com