What does TPLO stand for in veterinary surgery?

TPLO stands for tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, which is a surgical procedure performed primarily to stabilize the knee joint in dogs that have suffered a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture. This procedure involves altering the angle of the tibial plateau to prevent excessive forward movement of the tibia in relation to the femur during weight-bearing activities. By leveling the plateau, the surgical intervention effectively reduces the shear force acting on the knee joint, allowing for improved stability and a more natural gait.

This procedure is particularly important because CCL injuries are common in dogs, and without proper stabilization, they can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, and further joint damage. The success of TPLO has made it a preferred option among veterinarians for treating these types of knee injuries.

The other options do not accurately describe the procedure. The terminology used in those alternatives does not reflect accepted veterinary nomenclature or the correct anatomical focus of the TPLO, which specifically addresses the tibial plateau rather than ligaments or tendons unrelated to the procedure in question.