As a medical journalist, I have spent years reporting from hospital corridors, outpatient clinics, and operating theatres, but few visits are as instructive as those where clinical precision meets patient rehabilitation. My recent visit to Opera Bone and Joint Clinic in Malleswaram, and later to Sparsh Hospital, was to interview Dr Ponnanna KM, an orthopedic surgeon frequently associated with Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Bangalore. Observing consultations and discussing surgical protocols offered valuable insight into how shoulder injuries are being managed with minimally invasive techniques today.
Professional Background and Qualifications of Dr Ponnanna KM
According to information outlined in his clinical profile, Dr Ponnanna KM is an orthopedic surgeon with formal qualifications that include an MBBS followed by specialization in orthopedics. His advanced training encompasses arthroscopy and sports-related injuries, with a focused interest in shoulder and knee disorders. Over the years, he has pursued continued medical education in minimally invasive orthopedic procedures, particularly arthroscopic techniques used in rotator cuff repair.
During our interview, Dr Ponnanna described arthroscopy as a field that demands not only surgical skill but also a detailed understanding of biomechanics and rehabilitation timelines. His professional journey includes years of hands-on surgical experience, treating patients ranging from athletes with acute shoulder injuries to older adults managing degenerative tendon tears. This breadth of exposure explains why patients searching for an Orthopedic Surgeon in Bangalore often come across his clinical work.
Clinical Experience and Areas of Expertise
Dr Ponnanna KM’s clinical experience spans both outpatient evaluation and hospital-based surgical care. His practice routinely involves the diagnosis and management of shoulder pain, rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, ligament injuries, and sports trauma. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair forms a significant part of his surgical workload, particularly for patients seeking quicker recovery with minimal tissue disruption.
From a journalistic standpoint, what stood out was his emphasis on patient selection. Not every shoulder tear, he explained, requires surgery. Imaging findings are carefully correlated with symptoms, functional limitation, and patient expectations before recommending intervention. This measured approach is consistent with evidence-based orthopedic practice and aligns with the reputation patients attribute when referring to him as the Best Orthopedic Doctor in Bangalore, a phrase rooted more in outcomes than advertising.
The Clinic Environment and Surgical Setup
Opera Bone and Joint Clinic is structured as a focused orthopedic outpatient facility. The environment is functional and calm, designed for clinical examination, imaging review, and patient counseling. Consultation rooms are equipped for detailed musculoskeletal assessment, and sufficient time is allotted to explain imaging findings and treatment options.
Surgical procedures, including arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, are performed at Sparsh Hospital, a multi-specialty center with advanced operating theatres, anesthesia support, and postoperative rehabilitation services. Arthroscopy suites are equipped with high-definition visualization systems, allowing surgeons to operate through small incisions with precision. From an observational perspective, the integration between clinic consultation and hospital surgery ensures continuity of care from diagnosis through recovery.
Understanding Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat tears in the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder. Using a small camera and specialized instruments, the surgeon repairs the damaged tendon through keyhole incisions rather than open surgery.
Dr Ponnanna explained that this approach aims to restore shoulder strength and function while minimizing muscle damage. For many patients in Bangalore dealing with shoulder pain, Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Bangalore has become a preferred option due to advancements in surgical technology and postoperative rehabilitation.
Benefits and Risks: A Balanced Clinical Perspective
Benefits
Based on my discussion with Dr Ponnanna and observation of patient counseling sessions, the commonly cited benefits include:
- Smaller incisions and less soft tissue trauma, compared to open surgery
- Reduced postoperative pain in many patients
- Faster functional recovery, when combined with structured physiotherapy
- Improved shoulder strength and range of motion over time
Patients are often able to resume daily activities earlier, though full recovery still requires commitment to rehabilitation.
Risks and Limitations
Dr Ponnanna was careful to outline potential risks in neutral terms:
- Infection or stiffness, although uncommon with arthroscopy
- Incomplete tendon healing, particularly in large or chronic tears
- Re-tear risk, especially if postoperative precautions are not followed
He emphasized that outcomes depend not only on surgery but also on patient adherence to rehabilitation protocols.
Cost Considerations: What Patients Should Expect
When discussing costs, Dr Ponnanna maintained transparency. The approximate cost range for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in Bangalore varies based on several factors, including hospital charges, implant use, anesthesia fees, and length of stay.
In general terms, patients can expect arthroscopic procedures to be moderately to significantly priced compared to conservative treatment, but often less disruptive than prolonged non-surgical management that fails to restore function. Cost discussions, he noted, are best handled early, allowing patients to plan and weigh benefits realistically.
Precautions and Aftercare: Advice from the Interview
A recurring theme during my interview was the importance of aftercare. Dr Ponnanna outlined several key points commonly shared with patients:
Pre-Surgery Precautions
- Accurate diagnosis using MRI or ultrasound
- Optimization of general health, including diabetes control if applicable
- Clear understanding of recovery timelines
Post-Surgery Aftercare
- Use of a shoulder sling for the recommended duration
- Gradual physiotherapy under professional supervision
- Avoidance of heavy lifting or sudden movements during early healing
- Regular follow-up visits to monitor tendon healing
He stressed that rehabilitation is not optional but integral to surgical success.
Reflections from the Visit
Observing the workflow at Opera Bone and Joint Clinic and Sparsh Hospital reinforced how modern orthopedic care is increasingly collaborative—surgeon, physiotherapist, and patient working toward a shared goal. While many patients arrive seeking immediate pain relief, Dr Ponnanna KM approach underscores the importance of realistic expectations and long-term joint health.
For individuals researching shoulder surgery options, the discussion around Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Bangalore is best framed not as a quick fix, but as a structured process that blends surgical precision with disciplined recovery.
Contact Dr. Ponnanna KM – Scheduling & Locations
📍 Opera Bone and Joint Clinic – Yeshwanthpur / Malleswaram
Tel: 89515 45276
Mail: dr.ponnanna@gmail.com
