SubscribeTPLO – Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy – Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair
TPLO, or tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, is a common surgery performed on dogs to stabilize the stifle (knee) joint after a tear or rupture in the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) (can be compared to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans). Normally, the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) prevents backward-forward movement of the stifle joint. When it tears/ruptures, the stifle joint becomes unstable and the dog suffers lack of mobility, lameness or loss of use and is subject to chronic and progressive arthritis in the stifle if untreated.
In a TPLO procedure, the tibial plateau, the portion of the tibia adjoining the stifle (knee), is cut and rotated so that its slope changes to approximately 5 degrees from the horizontal plane, forever changing the biomechanics of the dogs movement. This prevents the femur from sliding down the slope of the plateau. It is rumored that TPLO surgery generally results in faster recovery times compared to other procedures to stabilize the knee joint. Most dogs (over 90%) are expected to regain a very active and athletic lifestyle with no post-operative complications and without the need for any pain relieving medication.
Related Posts
- TPLO vs. TTA vs. Lateral Fabellar Traditional Technique – Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair
- Cost of TPLO Surgery – Cost to Repair Torn Cruciate Ligament in Dogs
- Surgical Options for Torn/Ruptured Cranial Cruciate Ligament (Cranial Crucial Ligament)
- Cruciate Ligament in Dogs, Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament (Crucial)
- Lateral Fabellar Technique (Extracapsular Technique) – Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair
[...] Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) The TPLO CCL repair technique is generally recommended for larger breeds of dogs, as well as active dogs, such as [...]
[...] the TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) and TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) surgery options involve altering the angle in stifle [...]
[...] involves cutting the bone to change the angle at which the knee joint rests. Learn more about cranial cruciate ligament repair through TPLO. « Lateral Fabellar Technique (Extracapsular Technique) – Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair [...]
Hi, my name is Jennifer, i have a 6 year old golden retriever who has just had TPLO surgery, he was doing really good and started using his leg again, then one morning stopped using it again, he only uses 3 of his legs we are wondering after spending $3000 could he have ruptured his ligament again??? We have no idea how, or could it be from using it so early maybe it is the arthritis. We are very concerned and worried we do not have another $3000 to spend only for something to happen again???
Hi Jennifer -
That sounds terrible, have you taken your dog back to the vet? I’d definitely go and get a professional opinion before doing anything else.
I would be inclined to think that it didn’t rupture again, however, your veterinarian would know with far greater certainty than I ever could.
Best of luck to your family and your dog with the recovery.
[...] a chocolate lab, you will typically be looking at 1 of 2 knee repair procedures for larger dogs – TPLO or TTA surgery to repair the torn or ruptured cranial cruciate ligament in your dogs knee. The [...]
[...] surgery that you choose will be the biggest factor in determining cost. Here are some common types: TPLO, TTA, and Lateral Fabellar [...]
If the metal implant corrodes into the tibia (which may take up to a few years), and that corrosion causes osteosarcoma, and the dog has to have his or her leg amputated, and the owner has to pay thousands of dollars for treatments that will not stop the cancer from taking the dog’s life, who is responsible for the expenses? The vet, the owner, or the company who produced the implant?
Our Golden Retriever is only 3. X-rays shows early signs of hip dysplasia in both. Now she blew her knee swimming (cruciate ligament rupture). She is in alot of pain. Is surgery a good idea if we are looking at likely arthritus and hip issues soon? Is it best to let her go rather than a life of suffering? She is an active, athletic dog and I am so confused. What is best for “her” not me?
Linda, It would be a good idea to get some opinions from competent veterinarians. If the ligament is ruptured, surgery may help. If I were in your situation and conservative management was not an option, I would go for the traditional repair and have a stifle brace made in addition to help support the knee. Once healed, I would resort to using the brace on an “as needed” basis. My dogs developed osteosarcoma (bone cancer) post TPLO surgeries. I would NEVER have another dog of mine go through such an invasive surgery with life threatening consequences. Best of luck to your girl and you.