Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy- “TPLO” This is a very technically demanding surgery. The joint in explored and damaged tissues are treated, then a guide is secured to the tibia. The bone plate location is determined and a specialized saw is used to cut the tibia. Using surgical “pins”, the top of the tibia is rotated and secured at a new, pre-determined angle. The bone plate must then be bent and twisted to conform to the tibia. The bone screws are then applied and the “fracture” site is stabilized. The tissues and skin are then closed and post-operative radiographs are taken to confirm the alignment.
Here are a few intra-operative photos from a TPLO procedure:
