I visited Opera Bone and Joint Clinic in Malleswaram as a medical journalist to better understand how sports-related knee injuries are evaluated and treated in clinical practice. During this visit, I interviewed Dr. Ponnanna KM, observing consultations and discussing treatment pathways, particularly Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction in Bangalore, a procedure increasingly relevant among athletes and physically active individuals.
Rather than focusing on outcomes alone, my goal was to understand the diagnostic process, surgical planning, and long-term rehabilitation considerations that shape ACL care.
Dr. Ponnanna KM: Qualifications and Clinical Background
Dr. Ponnanna KM academic and professional training follows a structured orthopedic pathway. He holds an MBBS degree followed by an MS in Orthopedics. Over the years, he has pursued focused clinical exposure in arthroscopy, sports injuries, and joint reconstruction, with particular attention to knee and shoulder conditions.
His clinical experience spans both outpatient evaluation and hospital-based surgical care. During our discussion, he emphasized that ligament injuries such as ACL tears are not isolated knee problems but functional disruptions that affect stability, coordination, and long-term joint health.
In Bangalore’s orthopedic landscape, Dr. Ponnanna is often identified as an Orthopedic Surgeon in Bangalore who balances conservative management with surgical intervention based on individual patient profiles rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Inside Opera Bone and Joint Clinic: Environment and Setup
Opera Bone and Joint Clinic functions primarily as a consultation and diagnostic center for orthopedic conditions. The clinic environment is clinical and purpose-driven, with dedicated spaces for physical examination, gait assessment, and review of imaging such as MRI scans.
The setup allows for detailed patient-doctor interaction, which Dr. Ponnanna described as critical for musculoskeletal diagnosis. Many ligament injuries, he noted, require correlation between imaging findings and physical examination rather than reliance on reports alone.
Surgical procedures, including ACL reconstruction, are performed at affiliated hospitals such as Sparsh Hospital in Yeshwanthpur, where operating theaters, anesthesia teams, and post-operative care facilities are available.
Understanding Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are common among athletes, runners, and individuals involved in high-impact or pivoting activities. According to Dr. Ponnanna, Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction in Bangalore has become the preferred surgical method due to its minimally invasive nature and predictable recovery framework.
The procedure involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft, typically harvested from the patient’s own tissue. Arthroscopy allows surgeons to operate through small incisions using a camera, reducing tissue trauma and improving visualization.
Dr. Ponnanna explained that surgery is not always the first recommendation. Patients with low activity demands or partial tears may respond well to physiotherapy and bracing. Surgical reconstruction is usually advised when instability affects daily activities or sports participation.
Benefits and Risks of the Procedure
From a clinical standpoint, ACL reconstruction offers several potential benefits when appropriately indicated.
Potential benefits include:
- Restoration of knee stability
- Reduced risk of further meniscal or cartilage damage
- Improved confidence during physical activity
- Ability to return to sports or demanding occupations
However, Dr. Ponnanna was careful to outline the associated risks, stressing informed consent.
Possible risks may include:
- Post-operative stiffness or pain
- Infection or wound-related complications
- Graft failure or stretching over time
- Prolonged rehabilitation if protocols are not followed
He emphasized that outcomes depend heavily on surgical precision and patient adherence to rehabilitation.
Approximate Cost Range: A General Overview
Cost discussions, Dr. Ponnanna noted, are best addressed after diagnosis and treatment planning. While exact figures vary based on hospital choice, graft type, and rehabilitation needs, he offered a general framework:
- Diagnostic consultations and imaging: outpatient-level costs
- Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction surgery: mid-range orthopedic surgical costs
- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy: ongoing costs over several months
He stressed that early and accurate treatment often prevents secondary injuries that could increase long-term expenses.
Precautions and Aftercare: Advice from the Interview
Rehabilitation emerged as one of the most important aspects of our discussion. Dr. Ponnanna emphasized that ACL surgery does not end in the operating room.
Key aftercare and precautionary measures include:
- Strict adherence to physiotherapy schedules
- Gradual progression of weight-bearing and activity
- Avoiding premature return to sports
- Maintaining muscle strength and flexibility
- Attending all follow-up appointments
He also highlighted that mental readiness is often overlooked, as fear of reinjury can delay full functional recovery.
Patient Selection and Ethical Practice
One of the more striking aspects of Dr. Ponnanna KM approach is patient selection. Not every ACL tear requires surgery, and not every patient benefits equally from reconstruction. Factors such as age, activity level, occupation, and associated injuries all influence decision-making.
This individualized approach reflects broader orthopedic ethics and is often associated with clinicians referred to as the Best Orthopedic Doctor in Bangalore, though Dr. Ponnanna consistently framed outcomes as a product of teamwork between surgeon, physiotherapist, and patient.
A Journalist’s Closing Reflection
As I concluded my visit, it became clear that ACL injuries are not merely structural problems but functional challenges requiring long-term commitment from both doctor and patient.
Contact Dr. Ponnanna KM – Scheduling & Locations
📍 Opera Bone and Joint Clinic – Yeshwanthpur / Malleswaram
Tel: 89515 45276
Mail: dr.ponnanna@gmail.com
