Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)
An orthopedic surgical procedure that cuts and rotates the tibial plateau angle to eliminate cranial tibial thrust in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture.
💬 In Plain English
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is the premier, gold-standard orthopedic surgery performed on dogs that have torn their cranial cruciate ligament (the canine equivalent of an ACL tear in human athletes). Because a dog’s shin bone (tibia) slopes backward at a steep downward angle, every time the dog bears weight, the thigh bone (femur) slides backward down the slope (tibial thrust). Instead of trying to replace the torn ligament with an artificial cord that easily stretches or snaps, TPLO changes the biomechanics of the knee: the surgeon makes a curved cut through the top of the shin bone, rotates the sloped surface until it is flat (level), and secures it with a heavy-duty titanium plate and screws.
🔬 Clinical & Technical Depth
For Vets & TechniciansFormal Clinical Definition
Corrective radial proximal tibial osteotomy designed to neutralize cranial tibial thrust during dynamic weight bearing by reducing the tibial plateau angle (TPA) to approximately 5 to 6.5 degrees, eliminating dependence on the cranial cruciate ligament.
Why Veterinarians Use It
Veterinary orthopedic surgeons perform TPLO to restore athletic stability and prevent progressive osteoarthritis in medium, large, and active dogs with CCL tears.
Clinical Context Encountered
Discussed during orthopedic surgical consultations after a dog presents with acute rear leg limping or "toe-touching" lameness.
Clinical Reference Guide (Surgical Procedure)
Aftercare & Recovery
Strict crate confinement and leash-only bathroom breaks for 8 weeks; post-operative orthogonal radiographs at 8 weeks to confirm complete osseous union before resuming exercise.
- •Strict crate confinement and leash-only walks are mandatory for the first 8 weeks after TPLO: running, jumping, or slipping before the bone knits can snap screws, fracture the tibia, or destroy the repair.
❓ Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian
Take these actionable questions with you to your next clinic visit or appointment:
- 1What was my dog’s pre-operative tibial plateau angle (TPA) on stifle radiographs (typically 24°–30°)?
- 2Was the medial meniscus evaluated and treated (meniscal release or partial meniscectomy) during the joint inspection?
- 3What strict confinement and physical rehabilitation protocols must be followed during the 8-week bone healing phase?
Academic & Clinical References
- ACVS Educational Resource: Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease and TPLO Surgery in DogsOrganization: American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) • Accessed: 2026-01-10https://www.acvs.org