Understanding Common Orthopaedic Surgeries in Dogs — And Why Rehab Matters After Every One
TPLO, TTT, Lateral Suture, Patella Wedge – What Do They All Mean?
If your dog has recently been diagnosed with a knee or patella injury, you’ve likely heard a whole bunch of acronyms and surgical terms that feel like a foreign language: TPLO, TTT, Lateral Suture, Wedge Recession…
It can feel overwhelming — and honestly, a bit scary — to know which is right for your dog and what comes next.
At Apollo Animal Physiotherapy & Hydrotherapy, we’re here to walk you through the options, explain what each one means, and most importantly — show you why rehabilitation is just as important as the surgery itself.
Let’s Break It Down: The Four Most Common Surgeries
1. TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy)
Used for: Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) injuries (dog equivalent of ACL tear)
This is one of the most common orthopaedic surgeries in dogs. In TPLO, the surgeon cuts and rotates part of the tibia (shinbone) to change the angle of the knee joint and eliminate the need for the cruciate ligament entirely.
Why it’s done: To stabilise the stifle joint (knee) without relying on a damaged ligament.
Good for: Medium to large dogs, active breeds, or dogs with steep tibial plateau angles.
2. TTT (Tibial Tuberosity Transposition)
Used for: Medial patella luxation (dislocating kneecap)
In this procedure, the tibial tuberosity (a small bony bump where the patellar ligament attaches) is surgically shifted and pinned into a new position. This aligns the quadriceps muscle pull and helps keep the kneecap in place.
Why it’s done: To realign the kneecap so it stays central in the groove.
Good for: Dogs with patella luxation due to poor biomechanics or structural alignment.
3. Lateral Suture (Extracapsular Repair)
Used for: Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) injuries
Instead of cutting bone, this technique uses a strong synthetic suture material to mimic the torn ligament. The suture is anchored outside the joint to stabilise the knee.
Why it’s done: It’s less invasive and typically used in smaller dogs or those not suitable for TPLO.
Good for: Small to medium dogs, older dogs, or those with budget or surgical limitations.
4. Patella Wedge Recession Surgery
Used for: Severe patella luxation
In this procedure, a wedge of bone is removed from the femoral groove (the “track” the kneecap sits in), making it deeper so the patella is less likely to pop out.
Why it’s done: To physically reshape the joint to prevent luxation.
Good for: Dogs with shallow femoral grooves or recurring patella dislocations.
So... Why Is Rehab Essential After Any of These?
Surgery is only Step 1. It provides mechanical correction — but without rehab, your dog won’t learn how to move properly again.
Here’s what can happen without structured rehabilitation:
- Muscle atrophy from weeks of rest
- Compensatory movement patterns (like offloading one leg)
- Joint stiffness and scar tissue
- Poor confidence in using the limb
- Delayed healing or re-injury
With a custom rehab programme, we focus on rebuilding strength, mobility, and coordination in a safe and progressive way.
What Rehab Actually Looks Like
At Apollo, we tailor post-surgical rehab plans based on:
- The type of surgery
- Your dog’s age, breed and temperament
- Their gait, range of motion, and pain level
- Your long-term goals (e.g., return to sport, off-lead walks, pain-free movement)
Our typical plan includes:
✅ Manual therapy to reduce swelling and improve comfort
✅ Progressive weight-bearing and limb activation
✅ Hydrotherapy for low-impact movement
✅ Therapeutic exercises to target key muscle groups
✅ Proprioception and coordination training
✅ Home care guidance for walks, rest, and pacing
Dogs Heal Best When They’re Active (the Right Way)
Rest is important — but movement is medicine.
Without functional strength and retraining, surgical success can be limited.
Our job isn’t just to help your dog heal — it’s to help them thrive.
Whether your dog is booked for surgery, recovering now, or struggling weeks later, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Because surgery fixes the joint — but rehab brings back the dog.
Contact Us
- 07300 020 514
- bookings@apolloanimalphysio.com
- apolloanimalphysio@gmail.com
- Apollo Animal Physiotherapy, Old Haine Road, Ramsgate, CT12 5AG
