As a medical journalist, I recently visited Opera Bone and Joint Clinic in Malleswaram to better understand how shoulder injuries are evaluated and treated in an outpatient orthopedic setting. My visit was centered on a detailed conversation with Dr. Ponnanna KM, particularly around his work in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Bangalore, a procedure increasingly discussed among patients with chronic shoulder pain and sports-related injuries. What follows is an observational account drawn from that interview and my time spent at the clinic.
Dr. Ponnanna KM: Qualifications and Orthopedic Training
Dr. Ponnanna KM is formally trained in orthopedic surgery, holding an MBBS degree followed by a Master’s specialization in Orthopedics. His academic background is complemented by focused training in arthroscopic and minimally invasive joint procedures. Over the years, his clinical work has centered on disorders of the shoulder, knee, and sports-related musculoskeletal injuries.
In conversation, Dr. Ponnanna described his approach as protocol-driven, emphasizing accurate diagnosis through clinical examination and imaging before surgical decisions are made. His experience includes managing rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, ligament injuries, and degenerative joint conditions. Within professional circles, he is often identified as an Orthopedic Surgeon in Bangalore whose practice includes both conservative management and surgical intervention, depending on patient needs.
Inside Opera Bone and Joint Clinic: Environment and Setup
Opera Bone and Joint Clinic is located in a residential-commercial pocket of Malleswaram. The clinic functions primarily as a consultation and diagnostic center, with procedures and surgeries coordinated at affiliated hospitals, including Sparsh Hospital in Yeshwanthpur.
During my visit, the clinic environment appeared structured for orthopedic evaluation—consultation rooms equipped for physical examination, access to diagnostic imaging referrals, and a workflow designed to minimize waiting times. Dr. Ponnanna explained that this setup allows for continuity of care, where patients are evaluated preoperatively at the clinic and followed up postoperatively in the same setting.
This integration of outpatient consultation with hospital-based surgery is a common model among specialists often referred to as the Best Orthopedic Doctor in Bangalore, though Dr. Ponnanna himself framed outcomes as a result of standardized care pathways rather than individual reputation.
Understanding Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Rotator cuff injuries involve damage to the group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Arthroscopic repair is a minimally invasive surgical technique used when conservative treatments fail to relieve pain or restore function.
Dr. Ponnanna described Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Bangalore as a procedure performed using small incisions and a camera-assisted system. The goal is to reattach torn tendons to the bone while preserving surrounding tissue. According to him, this approach is particularly relevant for patients with full-thickness tears, persistent weakness, or functional limitation.
He emphasized that not all rotator cuff tears require surgery, and patient selection is critical.
Benefits and Risks of the Procedure
From a clinical standpoint, arthroscopic repair offers several potential benefits when appropriately indicated.
Possible benefits include:
- Reduced postoperative pain compared to open surgery
- Smaller incisions and less soft tissue disruption
- Improved shoulder strength and range of motion over time
- Shorter hospital stay in most cases
However, Dr. Ponnanna was careful to outline the risks, which are inherent to any surgical intervention.
Potential risks may include:
- Postoperative stiffness or delayed recovery
- Incomplete tendon healing in certain cases
- Infection or bleeding, though uncommon
- Need for prolonged rehabilitation
He stressed that outcomes depend not only on surgical technique but also on patient compliance with rehabilitation protocols.
Approximate Cost Range: A General Overview
When asked about costs, Dr. Ponnanna provided a general, non-specific framework rather than exact figures. He explained that expenses vary depending on multiple factors, including tear severity, hospital charges, implants used, and length of hospital stay.
In broad terms:
- Diagnostic evaluation and imaging: outpatient-level costs
- Arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery: mid- to higher-range orthopedic procedure costs
- Postoperative physiotherapy: ongoing, incremental expenses
Patients are typically counseled on expected costs once surgical planning is finalized.
Precautions and Aftercare: Advice from the Interview
Postoperative care was a recurring theme during our discussion. Dr. Ponnanna emphasized that surgery is only one part of recovery; structured rehabilitation plays an equally critical role.
Common aftercare recommendations include:
- Use of a shoulder immobilizer for the initial recovery period
- Gradual, supervised physiotherapy
- Avoidance of overhead activities until cleared
- Adherence to follow-up schedules for progress assessment
He also noted that premature return to activity is a frequent cause of suboptimal outcomes.
The Role of Patient Education
One aspect that stood out during my visit was the emphasis placed on patient education. Dr. Ponnanna explained that understanding the anatomy of the shoulder and the nature of the injury helps patients set realistic expectations.
This educational approach aligns with broader orthopedic practices where informed patients tend to engage more actively in rehabilitation, improving long-term functional outcomes.
A Journalist’s Closing Reflection
As I concluded my visit to Opera Bone and Joint Clinic, it was clear that successful orthopedic care extends beyond the operating room. Careful diagnosis, measured decision-making, and disciplined aftercare form the foundation of recovery.
Contact Dr. Ponnanna KM – Scheduling & Locations
📍 Opera Bone and Joint Clinic – Yeshwanthpur / Malleswaram
Tel: 89515 45276
Mail: dr.ponnanna@gmail.com
