Orthopedic surgery · Hero procedure
TPLO surgery, done weekly.
A Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy, or TPLO, is the preferred technique for correcting cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries in dogs and cats. It's also the procedure Dr. Simon performs the most — multiple TPLOs every week using the locking-plate technique.
When is a TPLO needed?
When the CCL gives out.
A Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy, or TPLO, is the preferred technique for correcting cranial cruciate ligament, or CCL, injuries in dogs and cats. The CCL is one of two ligaments that cross within the stifle, or knee. This ligament is similar to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans.
When the CCL is torn or injured, it can create a 'cranial drawer' motion, where there is excessive sliding between the tibia and femur bones. This joint instability can then lead to inflammation and pain. Left untreated, osteoarthritis caused by inflammation in the joint will irreparably damage the joint cartilage, including the meniscus.
Common signs your dog (or cat) might be a candidate: sudden hind-leg limping, reluctance to bear weight, an audible pop during play, or stiffness after rest.
What is a TPLO?
Changing the angle, not just patching the ligament.
A TPLO is a way of stabilizing the joint by changing the angle between the femur and tibia, reducing the amount that the tibia shifts forward during a stride. Dr. Simon makes a semicircular cut through the top of the tibia, rotates the piece of bone that was cut, and fixes it in place with a locking plate and screws.
As Dr. Simon closes up the incision, she injects a long-acting local anesthetic throughout each tissue layer so the patient remains comfortable in the days following the procedure.
What sets our TPLO process apart
Surgery is the whole practice.
Since our SVS team focuses on small animal surgery, we have refined our skills and can offer the highest quality surgical medicine for the price. Dr. Simon performs multiple TPLOs on a weekly basis. She is now an expert at the locking TPLO technique and is frequently complimented because of her excellent incision lines.
We bundle everything most clinics charge separately: pre-op imaging, anesthesia, the surgery itself, the implants, hospital recovery, follow-up x-rays, a cold-laser therapy session, a rehab visit, and take-home medications. One flat rate, told to you up front.
Common questions
Quick answers.
Does SVS do TPLO surgeries for cats?
We sure do. Though dogs require TPLO surgeries more frequently, Dr. Simon is very experienced with cat TPLO surgeries as well.
Are there other CCL repair options?
Dr. Simon usually recommends a TPLO technique over any other, as it has the highest success rate. However, there are other options for CCL repairs that Dr. Simon might consider when evaluating your pet's particular case.
What is the expected aftercare process?
The total recovery time after a CCL repair typically takes about 6 weeks. During this time, physical rehabilitation will be necessary to combat muscle atrophy, joint scar tissue, and reduced range of motion. At each recheck appointment, our team will also use Cold Laser Therapy on the surgery site to accelerate the healing process. If you are interested, we also offer PRP Therapy. After 6 months, we typically see our patients return to full function, minus the degree of arthritis that is already present. SVS offers as many free recheck appointments as needed.
Ready to move forward?
Suspect a CCL tear? Get a free TPLO quote.
Send us what your primary vet has said or any imaging you have. We'll come back inside the hour with an all-inclusive flat-rate quote.