As a medical journalist reporting on advancements in orthopedic care, I recently visited Opera Bone and Joint Clinic to meet Dr. Ponnanna K.M, a senior specialist widely associated with Knee Replacement in Bangalore. My aim was to move beyond online profiles and understand his qualifications, surgical expertise, and the infrastructure supporting joint replacement procedures. In a city witnessing a steady rise in degenerative joint disorders, knee surgery has become an increasingly discussed option among aging and even middle-aged patients.
Academic Qualifications and Professional Training
Dr. Ponnanna K.M completed his MBBS followed by postgraduate specialization in Orthopedics (MS Ortho). Over the years, he has undergone focused training in joint replacement surgery, arthroscopy, and trauma management. His academic background reflects structured orthopedic education combined with hands-on surgical exposure in tertiary care institutions.
Recognized by many patients as a Best Orthopedic Doctor in Bangalore, his credentials include experience in managing complex knee arthritis cases, sports injuries, ligament reconstructions, and revision joint replacements. During our discussion, he emphasized that orthopedic surgery requires both biomechanical understanding and technical accuracy. “Joint replacement is not just about implant placement; it’s about restoring alignment, stability, and long-term mobility,” he noted.
Continuous medical education remains part of his professional routine, especially in evolving implant technologies and minimally invasive surgical approaches.
Clinical Experience and Areas of Expertise
With years of clinical practice, Dr. Ponnanna K.M’s work spans:
- Total knee replacement
- Partial knee replacement
- Revision knee surgeries
- Arthroscopic procedures
- Ligament reconstruction
- Management of osteoarthritis
- Trauma-related joint reconstruction
As an experienced Orthopedic Surgeon in Bangalore, he handles patients ranging from elderly individuals with advanced arthritis to younger patients with sports-related knee damage.
He explained that most knee replacement candidates suffer from severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic joint degeneration. When conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, medications, and injections fail to relieve pain, surgery becomes a viable option.
Clinic Environment and Infrastructure
Opera Bone and Joint Clinic reflects an organized outpatient orthopedic setup. The consultation rooms are structured for musculoskeletal evaluation, including physical examination and digital imaging review. Diagnostic support such as X-rays and MRI coordination is streamlined.
For surgical procedures, patients are admitted to accredited hospitals equipped with modular operation theatres, advanced sterilization systems, and post-operative rehabilitation units. Implant systems used in knee replacement are selected based on patient anatomy and activity level.
The clinical workflow I observed was systematic—preoperative assessment, imaging review, anesthesia fitness evaluation, and postoperative physiotherapy planning are integrated into the treatment pathway.
Understanding Knee Replacement: Benefits and Risks
Knee replacement surgery involves removing damaged cartilage and bone surfaces and replacing them with artificial implants to restore function.
Benefits of Knee Replacement
- Significant reduction in chronic knee pain
- Improved joint mobility
- Correction of deformity (bowed or knock knees)
- Enhanced quality of life
- Improved sleep and daily activity levels
Dr. Ponnanna K.M clarified that modern implant materials are designed for durability, often lasting 15–25 years depending on usage and patient factors.
Risks and Potential Complications
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Implant loosening over time
- Stiffness
- Rare nerve or vascular injury
He emphasized that careful patient selection, sterile surgical technique, and postoperative physiotherapy significantly reduce complications.
“Rehabilitation is as important as the surgery itself,” he said, underscoring the collaborative nature of recovery.
Approximate Cost Range of Knee Replacement in Bangalore
The cost of Knee Replacement in Bangalore varies depending on hospital infrastructure, implant type, surgeon experience, and duration of hospital stay.
On average:
- Total knee replacement may range between ₹2,50,000 to ₹5,50,000 per knee.
- Bilateral knee replacement may cost more depending on simultaneous or staged procedures.
- Revision surgeries may involve higher costs due to complexity and specialized implants.
These figures are general estimates and may vary. Patients are typically counseled regarding financial aspects, insurance coverage, and implant choices before scheduling surgery.
Precautions and Aftercare Advice
During our conversation, Dr. Ponnanna K.M stressed that preparation begins well before surgery.
Preoperative Precautions:
- Control of diabetes or hypertension
- Weight optimization
- Smoking cessation
- Prehabilitation exercises to strengthen thigh muscles
- Dental clearance to reduce infection risk
Postoperative Aftercare:
- Early mobilization (usually within 24 hours)
- Structured physiotherapy program
- Blood clot prevention measures
- Avoid high-impact activities
- Regular follow-up imaging
Most patients resume daily activities within 4–6 weeks, though full recovery may take 3–6 months.
He emphasized realistic expectations. “The goal is pain relief and functional independence—not athletic-level performance,” he clarified.
A Journalist’s Perspective
The rise in sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and longer life expectancy has increased the demand for joint replacement surgeries across India. Bangalore, as a metropolitan hub, reflects this trend.
Observing consultations, I noticed that many patients delay surgery due to fear. However, advances in anesthesia, implant technology, and rehabilitation protocols have made modern knee replacement significantly safer compared to past decades.
Being recognized as a Best Orthopedic Doctor in Bangalore in such a competitive environment involves more than surgical volume—it demands patient education, structured follow-up, and ethical communication about risks and benefits.
Closing Reflection
Mobility defines independence. Chronic knee pain can gradually erode quality of life, limiting daily routines and social participation. Understanding treatment options empowers patients to make informed decisions.
Serving you from Bangalore, Karnataka.
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For those exploring joint replacement options, an informed consultation remains the first meaningful step toward restoring mobility.