TPLO, or tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, and TTA, or tibial tuberosity advancement, are two very new and biomechanically similar surgical techniques. Both the TPLO and TTA create stability within the dog stifle by altering the angle of the knee and using implants to hold the knee in place while the joint heals in its new position. The TTA procedure is actually a modified version of the TPLO procedure, using the removal of bone of the tibia to allow the restructuring of the stifle’s angle, which is subsequently held in place by metal implants. Read the rest of this entry »
May 01, 2008 | | TPLO vs. TTA, Surgical Procedures, Tibial Tuberosity Advancement or TTA, Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy or TPLO, Surgical Options
While it may carry an increased risk of complications, the recovery from TPLO surgery is often more rapid and complete. About half of all dogs undergoing the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy procedure will be able to walk on the injured limb within 24 hours of post operative recovery. Within 5 days post-op, most dogs will begin weight bearing on their injured limb. After 2 weeks a moderate amount of weight-bearing can be expected. Dogs with partial tears heal more quickly than dogs with complete tears and those requiring removal of the meniscus. During this period it is important to keep your dog quiet with no movement other than bathroom breaks, this is the most crucial period for healing and bone growth. Read the rest of this entry »
Apr 29, 2008 | | Recovery, Arthritis, Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy or TPLO
For both humans and animals alike, any surgical procedure carries a risk of complications. You dog should have a full evaluation done, complete with blood work and other baseline testing, prior to surgery to help minimize any risks; this pre-surgical testing can often diminish the risk of death from anesthesia. Overall, complications with cruciate surgery occur in approximately 5 to 10% of patients. Complications can range from mild and easily resolved, to more severe complications requiring additional surgery, expense and disability. While uncommon, complications do arise during and after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy procedures and you should speak with your veterinarian prior to the procedure and find out what procedures are in place to help minimize these risks, as well as what steps would be taken should a complication arise. Read the rest of this entry »
Apr 29, 2008 | | Complications, Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy or TPLO, Surgical Options
TPLO, also known as Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy, is a surgical procedure in which the head of the tibia is surgically altered and plated to create a new joint angle. A new angle is created in the stifle to prevent the femur from sliding off of the tibia. This is a very invasive procedure, as it involved the surgical cutting and plating of bone, and as with all surgery, there is a risk of both operative and post operative complications which need to be taken into consideration before going forward with a TPLO. Read the rest of this entry »
Apr 29, 2008 | | Surgical Procedures, Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy or TPLO, Surgical Options
For dogs diagnosed with cranial cruciate ligament tears or ruptures there are a number of non-surgical and surgical options available. Each dog is different, and your veterinarian will take into consideration your canine’s weight, size, overall health, severity of injury and the duration since onset when determining what treatment is best for your pet. Non-surgical options are generally referred to as “conservative management” and this treatment involves the use of weight management, prescription non-steroidals and rest to strengthen the joint and begin the healing process. Read the rest of this entry »
Apr 23, 2008 | | Tibial Tuberosity Advancement or TTA, Fibular Head Transposition, Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy or TPLO, Extracapsular Imbrication Technique, Traditional Repair, Surgical Options
TPLO, or tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, and TTA, or tibial tuberosity advancement, are two very new and biomechanically similar surgical techniques. Both the TPLO and TTA create stability within the dog stifle by altering the angle of the knee and using implants to hold the knee in place while the joint heals in its new position. The TTA procedure is actually a modified version of the TPLO procedure, using the removal of bone of the tibia to allow the restructuring of the stifle’s angle, which is subsequently held in place by metal implants. Read the rest of this entry »
