What is a TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy)?
A surgical procedure in which the veterinarian cuts and rotates the top of the tibia (shinbone) to reduce stress on a torn cranial cruciate ligament and restore knee stability in dogs.
TPLO stands for tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. It is an orthopedic surgery used to repair a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), the primary stabilizing ligament in a dog's knee joint. When this ligament tears, the tibia (shinbone) becomes unstable relative to the femur, causing pain and lameness.
During a TPLO, a veterinarian makes a curved cut in the upper portion of the tibia and rotates that section to change the angle of the tibial plateau. This surgical repositioning alters the biomechanics of the knee so that the dog's own muscle strength, rather than the damaged ligament, stabilizes the joint. The repositioned bone segment is then held in place with a metal plate and screws while it heals.
The procedure is effective because it addresses the underlying instability mechanically, rather than attempting to repair or replace the torn ligament itself. Many dogs recover well and regain substantial limb function after healing, typically over 8 to 12 weeks. TPLO requires orthopedic surgical expertise and is considered a major procedure, so it is typically performed by veterinary surgeons or specialists in orthopedic surgery. The decision to pursue TPLO versus other treatment options depends on the dog's age, size, activity level, and other injuries present in the knee joint.