TPLO, a surgical treatment for cruciate ligament rupture in dogs
The TPLO designates a bone surgical technique which may be indicated in the treatment of the rupture of the anterior cruciate (or cranial) ligament in dogs.
Zoom on cruciate ligament rupture
In the event of a rupture of the cranial (or anterior) cruciate ligament, the tibia (leg bone) slides forward relative to the femur (femur thigh bone), which is called the drawer effect. Most dogs with this injury suffer from lameness and pain.The resulting joint instability damages the surrounding cartilage and bones and leads to the development of osteoarthritis.
TPLO is an acronym derived from the English words "Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy" . This term can be translated into French as Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy.
What is the TPLO?
TPLO is a surgical technique that involves changing the angle and relationship between the femur and the tibia. The general objective of this surgery is to reduce the forward displacement of the tibia when the animal walks.
American veterinary clinics VCA hospitals make an analogy that helps to better understand what the TPLO consists of. To do this, they use the image of a cart on top of a hill.
“Imagine a cart tied to a post on the slope of a hill. As long as the rope holds, the cart will not roll down the hill.If we add weight to the trolley, the rope may break and the trolley will roll down the hill. However, if the trolley is on level ground, it will not roll even with extra weight and even if the rope is broken. In this example, the trolley is the femur, and it slides down from the slope of the top of the tibia when the cruciate ligament is ruptured. »
TPLO surgery therefore makes it possible to level the tibial plateau, in a way to create "flat ground" to prevent the femur from sliding forward and thus stabilize the joint.
To do this, the surgeon makes a bone cut to change the orientation of the tibial plateau, the articular surface against which the femur rests. He then performs a rotation of the tibia until the angle between the tibia and the femur is sufficiently flat. The surgeon then places a plate and metal bone screws to fix the two sections of the tibia in the desired positions, allowing the tibia to heal into its new configuration.
What are the postoperative consequences and what are the chances of recovery after a TPLO?
A dog usually recovers fairly quickly from a TPLO and the prognosis is very favorable.
Most operated dogs start leaning on the injured leg again within one to two weeks after the operation and no longer show lameness within 10 weeks after the operation. However, it is necessary to wait 6 months for dogs to be able to resume normal and complete physical activity (walking, running, playing). Eventually, 95% of operated dogs show no lameness at all.
Pain management usually involves the administration of pain medication prescribed by your veterinarian. Strict rest during which only hygienic outings on a short leash is required for at least 8 weeks.Wearing a collar, to prevent the dog from licking himself, is required for at least 2 weeks.
Post-operative functional rehabilitation sessions can sometimes help speed up healing. They should be considered on the advice of your veterinarian.
What are the possible complications?
Although TPLO is quite commonly performed by specialist veterinarians, it is a surgical procedure for which - as with all surgical procedures - zero risk does not exist.
The most frequent complication after a TPLO is infection, but it remains relatively rare.