Simini TPLO Roadmap Series

 What actually happens after you complete a TPLO course and start operating independently? In this episode, Carl Damiani and Dr. Ken Bruecker break down the first-year learning curve, from early cognitive overload and strict reliance on checklists to the emergence of pattern recognition, technique drift, and developing clinical judgment. The discussion focuses on case selection, maintaining discipline as comfort increases, recognizing plateaus, and knowing when to refer—highlighting that true progress comes from building control, not chasing confidence. Contact Dr. Ken Bruecker at www.covesurgery.com

The moment you review your post-op TPLO radiographs can be one of the most stressful parts of the procedure. In this episode, Carl Damiani and Dr. Ken Bruecker break down how to evaluate your results with structure instead of emotion, focusing on the “5 A’s” of assessment and how to separate cosmetic imperfections from true mechanical risk. The discussion covers when to act versus when to observe, how to integrate radiographic findings with patient function, and how to communicate results confidently to owners—shifting the focus from perfection to stability and successful healing. Contact Dr. Ken Bruecker at www.covesurgery.com

 The first independent TPLO isn’t just a technical milestone—it’s a shift in judgment and responsibility. In this episode, Carl Damiani and Dr. Kevin Benjamino discuss how surgeons move from supervised training to operating alone, focusing on case selection, pre-operative planning, and the mindset required to avoid early catastrophic mistakes. Rather than relying on confidence, the discussion emphasizes building structural readiness through disciplined preparation, predictable case selection, and clear “go/no-go” decision criteria. About Dr. Benjamino:Dr. Kevin Benjamino is an ACVS Diplomate at MedVet Medical and Cancer Centers for Pets.

 In this episode of the Simini TPLO Roadmap Series, Carl Damiani and Dr. David Dycus explore the critical transition from digital planning to real surgical execution. They discuss how experienced surgeons design TPLO plans that tolerate small deviations, prioritize fixation and stability over geometric perfection, and account for the dynamic forces present in live patients. The episode introduces practical concepts like osteotomy geometry, segment control, load transfer, and a pre-operative planning checklist that helps surgeons enter the operating room with confidence and control. About Dr. Dycus: Dr. David Dycus, who is the founder and board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics in the Washington DC area. Along with actively practicing orthopedic surgery and sports medicine he is also the founder of Ortho Vet Consulting where he has lectured and taught courses all over the world including introduction and advanced TPLO courses.   

 Even well-trained surgeons can feel unexpected stress when performing their first independent TPLO cases. In this episode, Carl Damiani and Dr. David Dycus explore why early surgical difficulty is often driven not by anatomy or technical skill, but by equipment familiarity, operating room setup, and cognitive load. The discussion focuses on standardizing tools, rehearsing the surgical environment, and recognizing system failures before incision so surgeons can focus on the patient rather than fighting their equipment. About Dr. Dycus: Dr. David Dycus, who is the founder and board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics in the Washington DC area. Along with actively practicing orthopedic surgery and sports medicine he is also the founder of Ortho Vet Consulting where he has lectured and taught courses all over the world including introduction and advanced TPLO courses.