question about tplo or tta surgery?!

My 125 lb. 5 year old rottie dog Spikey started limping recently, hes not in pain, just limping mostly when he stands up. I took him to 2 diff. Vets and after looking him over and feeling on his left leg, the vets said he needs tplo or tta surgery asap. One Vet gave me some anti-inflamatory meds to give my dog temporarily and he seems to be doing fine til the meds wear off. He does put weight on the leg and walks on it fine most of the time and seems ok but other times when I see him walk with one leg up in the air it brings tears to my eyes, I just want to do right by him and not put him thru some painful and unnecessary surgery. My question is does he really need such an extremely invasive procedure which I have heard has mediocre success rates along with the potential for horrific complications. I know that these surgeries are a Vets bread and butter and they reccomend them too hastily and much too much when they are not even necessary. I also know from years of experience that most, yes I said most vets are out to rip u off, well at least that has been my experience here in NY for the past 20 or so yrs. How do I know whom to trust? Does anyone here know of a less invasive or alternative procedure for my dog, I am not letting anyone cut into my dog unless they can prove to me it is absolutey necessary. Would any dog lover ask for any less? Its a shame Vets know we love our pets and they count on it and our trust of them when they procede to rip us off.