Shoulder injuries are among the most debilitating musculoskeletal conditions, often affecting daily activities like lifting, reaching, or even sleeping. To understand one of the most effective treatments available today, I visited Dr. Ponnanna K.M, a leading orthopedic and arthroscopic surgeon known for his expertise in Rotator Cuff Repair Arthroscopic Surgery in Bangalore.
At his Opera Bone and Joint Clinic, located in the heart of the city, I found a calm, well-equipped space where precision medicine meets personalized care. Patients waiting in the reception area reflected a mix of athletes, working professionals, and elderly individuals — all seeking pain-free mobility under Dr. Ponnanna’s care.
Dr. Ponnanna K.M: A Surgeon with Precision and Purpose
Dr. Ponnanna K.M’s journey into orthopedics began with his MBBS from Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, followed by an MS in Orthopedics from Bangalore Medical College. His passion for shoulder and sports injuries led him to pursue advanced fellowship training in Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine in Italy and Singapore — institutions renowned for minimally invasive joint surgeries.
With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Ponnanna has performed thousands of successful arthroscopic shoulder and knee procedures. His clinic, Opera Bone and Joint Clinic, is known for its cutting-edge infrastructure featuring arthroscopic suites, physiotherapy units, and advanced imaging systems.
During our interview, he explained:
“Shoulder injuries often go untreated for years. Arthroscopic repair offers a faster, safer, and more effective solution with minimal scarring and quicker rehabilitation.”
Understanding the Rotator Cuff and Its Importance
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint, allowing smooth arm movement. When these tendons tear — due to injury, degeneration, or overuse — it can result in pain, weakness, and restricted mobility.
Dr. Ponnanna shared,
“Many patients assume shoulder pain is a normal part of aging. But with early diagnosis and minimally invasive techniques, recovery can be swift and complete.”
Rotator Cuff Repair Arthroscopic Surgery involves inserting a small camera (arthroscope) and surgical tools through tiny incisions to reattach the torn tendons to the bone. This approach minimizes trauma to surrounding tissues compared to open surgery.
Cost of Rotator Cuff Repair Arthroscopic Surgery in Bangalore
The cost of Rotator Cuff Repair Arthroscopic Surgery in Bangalore varies depending on the hospital setup, tear severity, and implant type used. On average, the procedure costs ₹1,20,000 to ₹2,50,000 in premium orthopedic centers.
Leading Surgeons
Apart from Dr. Ponnanna K.M, India has several orthopedic surgeons recognized for shoulder arthroscopy:
- Dr. Ashish Babhulkar – A pioneer in arthroscopic shoulder surgeries and sports injury management.
- Dr. A.B. Govindaraj – Known for complex shoulder and rotator cuff reconstructions.
Dr. Stephen Burkhart is renowned for developing innovative arthroscopic techniques, while Dr. Laurent Lafosse is considered one of the leading names in advanced shoulder surgery.
Pros and Cons of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Pros:
- Minimally invasive with smaller incisions
- Faster recovery and less post-surgical pain
- Shorter hospital stay (often day-care procedure)
- Early return to daily activities and sports
Cons:
- Requires specialized surgical skill and technology
- Healing may take 3–6 months
- Possibility of incomplete tendon healing in chronic tears
- Rehabilitation is essential for full functional recovery
Dr. Ponnanna highlighted,
“Surgery is only half the journey. Commitment to physiotherapy and rehabilitation determines the true success of the procedure.”
The Surgical Procedure and Recovery
The surgery usually takes 60 to 120 minutes, depending on tear size. Through small incisions, the arthroscope provides a magnified view of the shoulder joint, allowing precise reattachment of torn tendons with biodegradable anchors.
Post-surgery, patients typically wear a shoulder sling for 4–6 weeks to protect the repair. Passive motion exercises begin early, followed by gradual strengthening. Most patients regain functional mobility within 3 months and return to full activity in about 6 months.
Precautions and Aftercare Tips
Dr. Ponnanna shared several key aftercare recommendations for optimal recovery:
- Use the shoulder sling as prescribed to avoid undue strain.
- Follow a physiotherapy schedule for range of motion and strength restoration.
- Avoid lifting weights, driving, or overhead movements for at least six weeks.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in protein and calcium to support tendon healing.
- Regular follow-up visits for monitoring healing progress and suture integrity.
He emphasized that a well-coordinated team — surgeon, physiotherapist, and patient — is critical for successful outcomes.
A Global Perspective
Shoulder arthroscopy has revolutionized how orthopedic surgeons address rotator cuff injuries. In India, the growing adoption of arthroscopic shoulder surgery is bridging the gap between accessibility and innovation.
Dr. Ponnanna believes the key is patient awareness.
“Many people live with chronic pain because they fear surgery. But modern arthroscopy is safe, precise, and can restore an active life.”
This reflects a global shift toward minimally invasive, evidence-based interventions that reduce downtime while enhancing quality of life.
A Journalist’s Reflection
My visit to Opera Bone and Joint Clinic left a strong impression. Beyond the technology and medical expertise, what stood out was Dr. Ponnanna’s approachable nature and emphasis on educating patients. He spends time explaining imaging results, surgical options, and expected outcomes — a quality not often seen in fast-paced clinical environments.
For anyone considering Rotator Cuff Repair Arthroscopic Surgery in Bangalore, consulting a surgeon with both technical mastery and a compassionate approach can make all the difference. From my perspective as a medical journalist, Dr. Ponnanna K.M exemplifies that balance.For more details or consultations, you may reach Opera Bone and Joint Clinic – 89515 45276.
