Heidi,
I ended up doing a TTA on my guy after researching procedures and vets. If you go with the Tightorpe, please know that
bone tunneling can be a problem with the anchors. It is more fragile at the beginning than TPLO, although all the procedures require strict supervision and restrictions - no running, jumping, spinning, etc. NOTHING but slow potty walks.
Ask your surgeon how many procedures he has performed whichever one you choose. How many issues has he had with infection? If you don't feel comfortable with him, walk away and find someone else.
There is a terrific Yahoo group on Facebook called Orthodogs. Ask to join that. Lots of wonderful people with lots of experience.
Good luck. It's scary but so worth it in the end.
Good luck.