TPLO CE Course at Auburn University

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Course Date: March 6-7, 2027

Auburn University Green Hall

1010 Wire Road

Auburn, AL 36832

Day 1

8:00am Welcome, Introductions, & Course Expectations

8:20am TPLO history, indications, mechanical rationale

8:45am Stifle explore and meniscal treatments/decision making

9:15am TPLO-style radiographs and vPOP planning (lecture and computer lab (Participant specimen #1 radiographs)

10:15am Break

10:30am TPLO Technique (Step-by-Step)

11:30am Postoperative management

12:00pm Lunch & change into scrubs

12:45pm Laboratory 1: TPLO Demo and dry lab (Follow the leader style) (Plastic Bone Model – each participant)

2:00pm Laboratory 2: Demo of surgical approach, joint explore, & TPLO (Specimen #1 – Right stifle)

2:45pm Laboratory 3: TPLO and surgical approach (Specimen #1 - R stifle) – Positioning, arthrotomy, meniscal techniques, TPLO

5:00pm Conclusion of Day 1 (vPop homework)

Day 2

8:00am Postoperative radiographs and assessment

8:30am Review of Day 1 Radiographs

9:15am Break

9:30am Laboratory 4: TPLO and surgical approach (Specimen #1 - L stifle) – Positioning, arthrotomy, meniscal techniques, TPLO

11:45pm vPop planning for 2nd specimen (Individual exercise)

12:00pm Lunch

12:45pm Laboratory 5&6: TPLO and surgical approach (Specimen #2 – Both stifles)

3:45pm Break

4:00pm Complications & Wrap-up

How to manage and how to prevent complications
Further specimen practice; Establishing a peer and mentoring network
Good cases to start with
Cases to avoid

5:00pm Conclusion of Course

Cost: $1,800

CE Credits: 18

Course Goals

This hands-on laboratory course is designed to provide veterinarians with a strong foundation in Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) planning and execution using a traditional jig-based surgical approach. Through a combination of lectures, computer-based planning exercises, dry-lab training, instructor demonstrations, and canine specimen practice, participants will develop a systematic approach to TPLO decision making, surgical technique, and complication avoidance.

Each participant will complete TPLO planning and operative training on a plastic bone model and on both the right and left stifles of canine specimens, providing extensive supervised hands-on experience. The course is intended to serve as a launching point for continued skill development through additional specimen practice, mentorship, and peer collaboration. Participants should not expect to independently begin performing TPLO procedures clinically immediately following the course. Rather, they will leave with the knowledge, framework, and resources needed to continue progressing safely and effectively toward clinical implementation under appropriate guidance and mentorship.

Participant Prerequisites

Participants should possess a basic understanding of fracture fixation and bone plating principles prior to attending this course. The program is designed to teach TPLO planning and execution using a traditional jig-based approach and assumes familiarity with fundamental orthopedic instrumentation, implant concepts, and plate-and-screw application techniques. The course will not provide comprehensive instruction on basic plating principles.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain the indications, biomechanical principles, and expected outcomes of TPLO surgery.
Perform preoperative radiographic assessment and TPLO planning using established techniques and digital planning tools.
Identify relevant stifle anatomy and apply appropriate approaches to joint exploration and meniscal assessment.
Discuss indications for meniscal treatment and incorporate findings into surgical decision making.
Describe and perform the major steps of a jig-based TPLO procedure in a cadaver laboratory setting.
Execute TPLO procedure techniques on a dry-lab bone model.
Perform stifle arthrotomy, meniscal assessment, and TPLO procedures on both right and left canine stifles.
Interpret postoperative radiographs and evaluate osteotomy position, implant placement, and overall construct quality.
Recognize common complications associated with TPLO surgery and discuss strategies for prevention and management.
Develop an individualized plan for continued surgical skill development through additional specimen practice, mentorship, and peer support.

Surgeon Instructor: Kayla Marie Corriveau, DVM, DACVS (SA):

Dr. Kayla Corriveau received her DVM from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA in 2011. She continued her training with rotating and surgical specialty internships at California Veterinary Specialists, the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Corriveau then completed a small animal surgical residency at Texas A&M University. After residency, she joined the Auburn University team as an assistant professor of small animal orthopedics in September 2017 with subsequent promotion to associate professor. Her clinical and research interests include arthroscopic surgery, minimally invasive fracture repair, and treatment of osteoarthritis.