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Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO)

Surgical stabilization of the knee is often required when the cranial cruciate ligament is torn. Surgery is recommended as quickly as possible to reduce permanent, irreversible joint damage and to relieve pain. 

Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO)

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears are the most common injury to the knee of a dog. This ligament is equivalent to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans. When the CCL is torn or partially torn, the tibia (shin bone) slides forward with respect to the femur (thigh bone). The instability and movement of the joint result in pain, inflammation, and damaged cartilage and bones, thus causing osteoarthritis. 

Surgical stabilization of the knee is often required when the cranial cruciate ligament is torn. Surgery is recommended as quickly as possible to reduce permanent, irreversible joint damage and to relieve pain. 

The TPLO procedure is the gold standard treatment for cranial cruciate ligament injuries and is recommended for both partial and complete tears. This surgery changes the angle of the tibial head in order to reduce the amount that the tibia shifts forward during a stride (normal movement). This is accomplished by creating a semicircular cut in the head of the tibia, rotating it, and using a bone plate to allow the tibia to heal with the new angle. The realignment of the surfaces within the knee helps to provide stability during the stride and helps to reduce future joint inflammation and osteoarthritis. The TPLO Procedure performed by Dr. Karagosian allows the patient’s knee to replicate a more normal configuration and reduce mechanical stress on the joint.

Let’s get your sweet dog back on their paws again.