As a medical journalist, I spend much of my professional life observing how complex surgical decisions are explained to patients outside the operating theater. On a recent visit to Opera Bone and Joint Clinic in Malleswaram, Bangalore, I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Ponnanna KM, whose practice is frequently associated with PCL Reconstruction in bangalore. My intent was not to evaluate outcomes or endorsements, but to understand how posterior cruciate ligament injuries are assessed, explained, and managed within a modern orthopedic setting.
Meeting Dr. Ponnanna KM: Training and Clinical Focus
Dr. Ponnanna KM is a formally trained orthopedic surgeon with advanced qualifications in musculoskeletal and joint-related conditions. Over the years, his clinical work has increasingly focused on knee ligament injuries, cartilage disorders, and sports-related trauma. During our conversation, he described PCL injuries as “less common than ACL injuries, but often more complex in diagnosis and long-term joint impact.”
With more than two decades of experience, his work spans conservative ligament management, arthroscopic reconstruction procedures, and long-term rehabilitation planning. Within Bangalore’s orthopedic landscape, he is often recognized as an Orthopedic Surgeon in Bangalore who emphasizes anatomical restoration and functional recovery rather than early surgical intervention alone.
Opera Bone and Joint Clinic: Setting and Infrastructure
Opera Bone and Joint Clinic is designed primarily as a consultation and evaluation center. Located in Malleswaram, the clinic features focused orthopedic consultation rooms, diagnostic coordination for imaging such as MRI, and structured follow-up planning. The atmosphere is notably calm, avoiding the high-throughput feel common in larger hospital outpatient departments.
Dr. Ponnanna explained that arthroscopic PCL reconstruction surgeries are performed at tertiary-care facilities such as Sparsh Hospital in Yeshwanthpur, where advanced operation theaters, anesthesia teams, and post-operative monitoring units are available. This division allows detailed pre- and post-surgical care at the clinic, while ensuring surgical safety in a hospital environment.
Understanding the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
The posterior cruciate ligament plays a critical role in stabilizing the knee, particularly in preventing backward movement of the tibia. PCL injuries commonly occur due to high-impact trauma such as road traffic accidents or sports injuries involving direct force to the knee.
According to Dr. Ponnanna, not all PCL tears require surgery. Many partial tears respond well to physiotherapy and bracing. However, reconstruction may be considered when patients experience persistent instability, difficulty in walking downhill or descending stairs, or progressive cartilage damage.
When Is PCL Reconstruction Considered?
During our interview, Dr. Ponnanna emphasized careful patient selection. Arthroscopic PCL reconstruction is generally advised in cases involving:
- Complete PCL tears with functional instability
- Combined ligament injuries
- Failure of conservative treatment over time
- Young or physically active individuals with demanding knee function
This measured approach underscores that PCL Reconstruction in bangalore is not positioned as a routine procedure, but as a targeted intervention for specific clinical scenarios.
Benefits of Arthroscopic PCL Reconstruction
From a medical perspective, arthroscopic PCL reconstruction offers several benefits when appropriately indicated:
- Restoration of knee stability
- Reduction in pain during weight-bearing activities
- Prevention of long-term joint degeneration
- Improved confidence during movement and sports participation
Minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques allow for smaller incisions, reduced tissue trauma, and more predictable rehabilitation timelines compared to older open surgical methods.
Risks and Clinical Limitations
As with any ligament reconstruction, PCL surgery carries inherent risks. Dr. Ponnanna addressed these candidly during our discussion:
- Risk of infection or bleeding
- Stiffness or limited knee motion post-surgery
- Graft failure or stretching over time
- Need for prolonged rehabilitation
He stressed that successful outcomes depend as much on post-operative compliance as on surgical precision.
Approximate Cost Range in Bangalore
Costs for arthroscopic PCL reconstruction in Bangalore can vary depending on hospital infrastructure, graft choice, and patient-specific needs. In general terms, patients may expect costs to fall within a broad range of ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh, excluding extended physiotherapy or management of complications.
Dr. Ponnanna noted that cost discussions should be transparent and individualized, factoring in long-term joint preservation rather than focusing solely on immediate expenses.
Aftercare and Rehabilitation: Advice from the Interview
Rehabilitation is a central component of PCL reconstruction outcomes. Dr. Ponnanna shared several aftercare principles he routinely discusses with patients:
- Use of knee braces during early recovery
- Gradual, supervised physiotherapy focusing on quadriceps strengthening
- Avoidance of deep knee bending and high-impact activity initially
- Regular follow-ups to monitor graft integrity
Recovery timelines can extend over several months, and patients are encouraged to view rehabilitation as an active partnership rather than a passive process.
A Broader Orthopedic Perspective
Beyond ligament reconstruction, Dr. Ponnanna’s practice includes arthritis management, trauma care, and complex knee conditions. His approach reflects a broader orthopedic philosophy centered on functional preservation. Within professional circles, he is frequently referenced as a Best Orthopedic Doctor in Bangalore for his emphasis on evidence-based treatment pathways rather than procedural volume.
What stood out during my visit was the absence of urgency in surgical decision-making—a reminder that good orthopedic care often begins with restraint.
Closing Reflections from the Visit
As I left Opera Bone and Joint Clinic, the conversation around PCL injuries felt notably grounded. Rather than presenting reconstruction as a default solution, it was discussed as one chapter in a longer story of knee health, patient expectations, and rehabilitation discipline.
For patients navigating ligament injuries in a city with expanding orthopedic options, informed dialogue remains as important as surgical expertise.
Contact Dr. Ponnanna KM – Scheduling & Locations
Opera Bone and Joint Clinic 14 Ground Floor, 4th Main, 6th Cross Rd, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560003
Sparsh Hospital 4/1, Tumkur Rd, Yeshwanthpur Industrial Area, Phase 1, Yeswanthpur, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560022
Tel: 8951545276
Mail: dr.ponnanna@gmail.com
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