Surgical Spotlight: The Role of Tibial Plateau Angle in CCL Rupture

In this Surgical Spotlight episode of the Simini Surgery Review, we break down the biomechanics and clinical impact of the tibial plateau angle (TPA) in cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease.

We cover key findings from a 2022 VCOT Review paper, including breed-related TPA variations, the influence of neuter status, and how imaging technique can skew your angles—and your surgical outcomes.

Whether you’re planning a TPLO tomorrow or refining your pre-op protocols, this is essential listening for small animal surgeons.

Key Topics Covered:

– Biomechanics of cranial tibial thrust and why slope matters
 – What the literature says about TPA and rupture risk
 – CT/MRI vs. radiographs: when and why it matters
 – Common positioning pitfalls that affect measurements
 – Breed, size, and neuter status considerations
 – Clinical planning beyond templated angles
 – Why lateral slope and tibial curvature may be the next frontier

📄 Link to TPLO/TPA review paper
 

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Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction
• 1:06 TL;DR Summary
• 2:13 Biomechanics 101
• 3:53 The Literature Rundown
• 5:53 Measurement Pitfalls
• 6:37 Radiographs vs. CT/MRI
• 8:18 Clinical Decision-Making
• 9:28 Still Unanswered
• 10:37 Fortifying Infection Protocols with Simini
• 12:30 Final Takeaways