deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth.
first, read the netter's concise orthopaedic anatomy book. that has 90-99% of the information you will be expected to know. don't go overboard trying to impress people that you know the random esoteric crap if you don't have a firm grasp on the basics (anatomy). that book has the basic information on fracture classification, basic info on surgical exposures, physical exams, and is filled with answers to pimp questions.
as far as the other books go, hoppenfeld's is good to go through before you go into cases. if you are rotating with someone who will be doing about 100 tha's while you're there, you should be familiar with that surgery. if you won't be setting foot in a spine OR, i wouldn't waste my time on those exposures at this early stage.
the physical exam books are also useful; nothing is quite as embarassing as being pimped in front of a patient about a basic physical exam finding and not having the slightest clue as to what the answer might be.
koval and zuckerman's book is also great, and should be read. the hardest part about reading that book is knowing which of the classifications are most frequently used (eg garden femoral neck fractures). don't be afraid to ask. eagerness to learn is a good quality (although too much asking makes you look like a dumbass).
so relax, and take deep breaths. most places just want to see that you are a hard worker, a team player and have a good knowledge base, usually in that order. you will be taught the nuts and bolts (pun intended) of ortho over your 5 years as a resident. you can't be taught how to be a hard worker/team player; either you are, or you aren't. no amount of preparing will help you in those crucial categories.
so, in conclusion, SAN DIMAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RULES!!!!
