Dr. Timothy Jordan is a skilled & respected veterinary orthopedic surgeon, providing a wide variety of advanced procedures for patients at Plaza Animal Hospital as well as those referred from other veterinary facilities. He has performed over 3000 orthopedic surgeries in his career, and we are proud to now be a resource for these services in the community.
Those procedures include the various options for repair of the cranial cruciate ligament, or CCL.
To treat conditions such as ruptured CCLs, we recommend a procedure called a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy or TPLO for dogs weighing more than twenty pounds. For smaller dogs and cats, we repair the torn CCL using a technique called extracapsular repair or lateral suture.
Dr. Jordan has extensive experience in both procedures and will consult with you about the preferred method for your pet. The best surgical option for your dog will generally depend on the size and age of your dog.
Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)
A torn CCL results in painful instability of the knee joint. The Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) method of treating a torn CCL alters the geometry of the knee joint to make the joint stable. It involves making a cut in the tibia or shin bone and plating the bone in place. Once the bone is healed, the repair is permanent. Most dogs return to weight-bearing on the affected leg soon after surgery, but their activity needs to be partially restricted for six to eight weeks while the bone heals in place. It is a highly effective procedure and is the preferred procedure for most dogs weighing over twenty pounds.
Extracapsular (Lateral Suture) Repair
Extracapsular, or lateral suture, refers to a repair that is performed alongside the knee joint. After the knee joint has been inspected and damaged tissue cleaned up, a strong suture is placed on the outside of the joint that runs in the same direction as the original CCL. This suture provides stability in a very similar way to the CCL before it was torn. Although this method of repair can be performed on any dog, it tends to be best for dogs under 20 pounds. A period of restricted activity is required after this surgery.
Dr. Jordan also has experience with many other orthopedic procedures including:
- Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL)
- Fracture repair
- Meniscal (cartilage) repair
- FHO/TPO/DPO procedures for hip joints
Click here for more information on Dr. Jordan and the orthopedic options available.
To schedule a surgical consultation or referral for a pet, call us at 704-662-8586. Or click below to learn more about our surgery standards of care.
Learn MoreWhat is Veterinary Orthopedic Surgery?
Veterinary orthopedic surgery centers on the treatment of injuries and disorders related to an animal’s musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Our team of skilled vets performs a wide range of surgical procedures, from fracture repairs to joint replacements. These surgeries help restore mobility and improve the quality of life for our furry friends who might be suffering from various conditions like bone injuries or degenerative diseases.
We understand that each pet is unique, so we tailor-make every surgical plan according to their specific needs. Pre-surgical evaluations are part of our routine to ensure your pet is in the best condition for operation.
Post-operative care holds equal significance, as it plays a vital role in a speedy recovery after any vet orthopedic surgery. We support this with pain management strategies customized for each patient’s comfort during the healing process.
Our Veterinary Orthopedic Surgery Services
We offer a wide range of veterinary orthopedic surgery services to ensure the best care for your furry friends. This includes surgical consultations and evaluations, fracture repairs, ligament repairs, joint replacements, pre-surgical evaluations and diagnostics, post-surgical care and rehabilitation, pain management, as well as follow-up examinations and regular check-ups.