What is the name for cruciate ligament rupture surgery in dogs? - briefly
The surgical procedure to repair or replace a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs is commonly referred to as "Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy" (TPLO) or "Lateral Suture" surgery, depending on the specific technique used.
What is the name for cruciate ligament rupture surgery in dogs? - in detail
The surgical procedure for addressing a ruptured cruciate ligament in dogs is commonly referred to as "Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy" (TPLO) or "Lateral Suture Repair". These techniques are designed to stabilize the stifle joint, which corresponds to the human knee.
Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) is a widely practiced method that involves making a curved cut in the tibia and rotating the top segment to change its angle relative to the bottom part of the bone. This realignment helps to reduce the abnormal forces on the joint, effectively stabilizing it without the need for a ligament graft or implant. TPLO is considered a gold standard procedure due to its success rate in restoring normal function and reducing the risk of post-operative complications.
Lateral Suture Repair, also known as "extracapsular repair", involves placing a strong suture around the joint to mimic the function of the ruptured ligament. This procedure is less invasive than TPLO but may not provide the same level of long-term stability, making it more suitable for smaller or less active dogs.
Both procedures aim to restore mobility and alleviate pain in dogs suffering from a cruciate ligament injury. The choice between TPLO and Lateral Suture Repair depends on various factors including the size and activity level of the dog, as well as the veterinarian's expertise and recommendations.