Taking radiographs which are able to be used for templating for TPLO or sizing of implants as part of the initial investigations is straight-forward with some knowledge of what is required and attention to detail, with the occasional repeated radiograph if required which is easy with digital xray machines.

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A radiopaque marker, (The Left or Right marker or a 20 cent piece, with the size in mm) to allow sizing of implants.  

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Ideally the marker should be placed at the same height as the bone being radiographed, to allow for magnification.

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Positioning IS important, otherwise they WILL be non-diagnostic.  Take your time, you have DIGITAL NOW...

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TPLO Templating

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• A lateral mid-femur to metatarsus is required, with a craniocaudal view for completeness.

• A lateral of the 'good' will also indicate early stifle effusion and warn of possible impending injury. 

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• The patient is placed in lateral recumbancy with the leg to been radiographed closest to the table.

• The other leg is pulled cranially and dorsally using ties or sandbags. 

• A towel may be placed under the chest to rotate the patient slightly to aid positioning.

• The stifle and hock are flexed to approximately 90deg using a sandbag against the foot.

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• Include the hock and distal femur.

• Femoral condyles should be superimposed over each other, or as close as possible.

• Patients with tibial torsion, femoral superimposition is easier said than done, but try elevating and rotating the hock or the stifle in either direction.

• The tibial plateau should be as close as possible to lateral.

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