As a medical journalist, my work frequently brings me into operating corridors, consultation rooms, and recovery wards—spaces where clinical decisions intersect directly with quality of life. My recent visit to Opera Bone and Joint Clinic in Malleswaram, followed by time at Sparsh Hospital, offered an opportunity to interview Dr. Ponnanna KM, an orthopedic surgeon widely associated with Knee replacement in Bangalore. The visit was less about surgical outcomes on paper and more about understanding how knee replacement is evaluated, planned, and explained to patients in real clinical settings.
Professional Background and Qualifications
Dr. Ponnanna KM is a formally trained orthopedic surgeon, with an MBBS degree followed by specialization in orthopedics. According to clinical information shared on his professional platform, his training covers joint replacement surgery, arthroscopy, and trauma care. Over the years, his work has focused increasingly on degenerative knee conditions, including advanced osteoarthritis, where conservative management no longer offers relief.
During our interview, Dr. Ponnanna described his professional trajectory as one shaped by both academic grounding and hands-on surgical exposure. His years of practice include managing patients across varying age groups, from middle-aged individuals with activity-limiting knee pain to elderly patients struggling with mobility and independence. This breadth of experience is often why patients researching an Orthopedic Surgeon in Bangalore come across his name during their decision-making process.
Clinical Experience and Areas of Expertise
Dr. Ponnanna’s clinical experience spans several years of active orthopedic practice, with knee replacement forming a significant part of his caseload. His expertise includes:
- Total knee replacement for advanced arthritis
- Partial knee replacement in selected cases
- Management of knee deformities and stiffness
- Post-traumatic knee reconstruction
What stood out during the consultation sessions I observed was the emphasis on patient selection. Dr. Ponnanna repeatedly stressed that knee replacement is not a first-line treatment but a last-resort option after physiotherapy, medication, weight management, and injections have been explored. This cautious approach aligns with evidence-based orthopedic guidelines and reflects why some patients regard him among the Best Orthopedic Doctor in Bangalore, a perception rooted in clinical judgment rather than procedural volume alone.
Clinic Environment and Hospital Setup
Opera Bone and Joint Clinic functions as a focused outpatient orthopedic center. The clinic layout is straightforward, with consultation rooms, digital X-ray review facilities, and space for clinical examination. From a journalist’s perspective, the environment felt purpose-built for dialogue—patients are encouraged to sit, review imaging, and discuss treatment options rather than move hurriedly through appointments.
Surgical procedures, including knee replacements, are performed at Sparsh Hospital, a multi-specialty facility equipped with modular operation theatres, intensive care units, and rehabilitation support. The hospital infrastructure allows for coordinated care involving anesthetists, physiotherapists, and nursing staff—an essential component for joint replacement surgery, where recovery is as critical as the operation itself.
Understanding Knee Replacement: Benefits and Risks
Benefits
Knee replacement surgery is primarily intended to restore function and reduce pain. Based on my discussion with Dr. Ponnanna and observation of patient counseling, the commonly cited benefits include:
- Significant pain reduction, especially in end-stage arthritis
- Improved mobility, allowing patients to walk, climb stairs, and perform daily activities
- Correction of deformity, such as bow-legged or knock-kneed alignment
- Enhanced quality of life, particularly for patients previously dependent on pain medication
Dr. Ponnanna emphasized that outcomes depend heavily on realistic expectations. Knee replacement does not restore a “natural” knee but aims to provide a stable, pain-free joint suitable for routine activities.
Risks and Limitations
Equally important in patient discussions are the potential risks:
- Infection, though uncommon, remains a serious complication
- Blood clots, requiring preventive measures post-surgery
- Implant wear or loosening over long periods
- Residual stiffness or discomfort, especially if rehabilitation is inadequate
Dr. Ponnanna noted that careful surgical technique, sterile protocols, and structured physiotherapy significantly reduce these risks, but they cannot be eliminated entirely.
Cost Considerations
One of the most frequent questions patients ask relates to affordability. In general terms, the approximate cost range for knee replacement in Bangalore varies depending on factors such as:
- Type of implant used
- Hospital infrastructure and length of stay
- Whether one or both knees are replaced
- Presence of medical comorbidities
While Dr. Ponnanna did not quote specific figures during our interview, he highlighted that costs can range broadly within the private healthcare sector. Patients are advised to view cost discussions as part of comprehensive treatment planning rather than a single deciding factor. Transparency, he noted, helps align expectations early in the process.
Precautions and Aftercare: Guidance from the Interview
Dr. Ponnanna was particularly detailed when discussing precautions and aftercare, underscoring that surgery is only one phase of treatment.
Pre-Surgery Precautions
- Optimize general health, including blood sugar and blood pressure control
- Engage in prehabilitation exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles
- Understand the rehabilitation timeline and lifestyle adjustments
Post-Surgery Aftercare
- Early mobilization under physiotherapist supervision
- Regular physiotherapy to regain range of motion and strength
- Adherence to medication protocols for pain control and clot prevention
- Avoiding high-impact activities even after recovery
He stressed that patient motivation and consistency with physiotherapy often determine long-term outcomes more than the surgical procedure itself.
Reflections from the Visit
Spending time at both the clinic and hospital offered insight into how knee replacement is framed not as a quick fix, but as a structured journey. Patients I spoke with echoed similar sentiments: relief that their pain was being taken seriously, paired with a clear understanding of limitations and responsibilities after surgery.
For individuals exploring Knee replacement in Bangalore, this balanced approach—neither alarmist nor overly optimistic—appears central to informed decision-making.
Closing Thoughts and Contact Information
As I concluded my visit with Dr. Ponnanna KM, I was reminded that orthopedic surgery ultimately aims to restore movement, but it also requires patients to move forward with patience and participation. The more relevant question for those considering surgery may not be “When can I operate?” but rather, “Am I prepared for the recovery that follows?”
Contact Dr. Ponnanna KM – Scheduling & Locations
📍 Opera Bone and Joint Clinic – Yeshwanthpur / Malleswaram
Tel: 89515 45276
Mail: dr.ponnanna@gmail.com
