As a medical journalist, I often walk into hospitals and clinics carrying equal measures of curiosity and skepticism. On this particular visit, my destination was Opera Bone and Joint Clinic in Malleswaram, Bangalore, where I had scheduled an in-person interview with Dr. Ponnanna KM, a senior orthopedic specialist widely associated with knee replacemnt in bangalore. Rather than relying on reputations or patient testimonials alone, I wanted to understand—firsthand—how clinical expertise, infrastructure, and patient decision-making intersect in one of India’s most commonly performed orthopedic procedures.
Meeting Dr. Ponnanna KM: Training, Experience, and Clinical Perspective
Dr. Ponnanna KM professional background reflects a conventional but rigorous orthopedic career path. He holds advanced qualifications in orthopedic surgery and has spent years focusing on joint preservation and replacement procedures. During our discussion, he emphasized that knee replacement is not a singular solution but a carefully considered option after conservative treatments have been exhausted.
With over two decades of clinical exposure, his work spans complex knee arthritis cases, revision surgeries, and post-traumatic joint degeneration. In the broader orthopedic ecosystem of the city, he is often referenced as an Orthopedic Surgeon in Bangalore who balances surgical intervention with long-term joint health planning rather than immediate procedural decisions.
Inside Opera Bone and Joint Clinic: Environment and Setup
Opera Bone and Joint Clinic is located in a quiet residential-commercial pocket of Malleswaram. The clinic environment is structured for outpatient orthopedic care—clean consultation rooms, digital imaging access, and rehabilitation planning spaces. The setup supports diagnosis, pre-surgical counseling, and post-operative follow-ups, rather than functioning as a high-volume surgical center.
Dr. Ponnanna explained that surgeries are typically performed at tertiary-care hospitals equipped with operation theaters and intensive post-operative care units. This separation allows focused consultations at the clinic and specialized inpatient care at surgical hospitals, including Sparsh Hospital in Yeshwanthpur.
Understanding Knee Replacement: Who Actually Needs It?
Knee replacement surgery is generally recommended for patients with advanced osteoarthritis, inflammatory joint disease, or severe cartilage loss that significantly limits daily activity. During the interview, Dr. Ponnanna highlighted that not every patient with knee pain is a candidate for surgery.
Before considering knee replacemnt in bangalore, patients are usually advised to explore:
- Weight management and lifestyle modification
- Physiotherapy and muscle-strengthening programs
- Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications
- Injection therapies where appropriate
Only when these measures fail to provide functional relief does knee replacement enter the discussion.
Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery
From a clinical standpoint, knee replacement offers measurable benefits when performed for the right patient at the right time. These include:
- Significant reduction in chronic knee pain
- Improved mobility and walking endurance
- Better joint alignment and stability
- Enhanced quality of life for daily activities
Dr. Ponnanna noted that modern implant designs and surgical techniques have improved joint longevity, often lasting 15–20 years depending on patient activity and overall health.
Risks and Limitations: A Balanced Medical View
No surgical procedure is without risk, and knee replacement is no exception. During our conversation, Dr. Ponnanna outlined potential complications in clear, unembellished terms:
- Risk of infection or delayed wound healing
- Blood clots in the post-operative period
- Implant loosening or wear over time
- Persistent stiffness or limited range of motion
He stressed that transparent pre-surgical counseling is essential, and patients must have realistic expectations about recovery timelines and outcomes.
Approximate Cost Range in Bangalore
While costs can vary widely based on hospital choice, implant type, and patient-specific medical needs, knee replacement surgery in Bangalore generally falls within a broad range. As of current standards, patients can expect approximate costs ranging from ₹1.8 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh per knee, excluding extended rehabilitation or complication management.
Dr. Ponnanna emphasized that cost discussions should always include implant quality, hospital infrastructure, and post-operative support rather than focusing solely on upfront pricing.
Precautions and Aftercare: Advice from the Interview
Post-operative care plays a decisive role in surgical success. Dr. Ponnanna shared several aftercare principles he routinely emphasizes:
- Early mobilization under physiotherapy supervision
- Strict adherence to rehabilitation exercises
- Monitoring for signs of infection or swelling
- Avoiding high-impact activities during recovery
- Maintaining healthy body weight to protect the implant
Patients are typically encouraged to view recovery as a structured process rather than a passive healing phase.
A Broader Role in Orthopedic Care
Beyond knee replacement, Dr. Ponnanna’s clinical work includes trauma care, arthritis management, and sports-related injuries. Within professional circles, he is often referenced as a Best Orthopedic Doctor in Bangalore due to his emphasis on evidence-based decision-making rather than procedural volume.
What stood out during the interview was not advocacy for surgery, but a consistent focus on patient education and informed consent.
Closing Reflections from the Visit
As I concluded my visit to Opera Bone and Joint Clinic, what remained with me was the understated nature of the practice. Knee replacement, often portrayed as a dramatic medical intervention, was discussed here as one option among many—effective, but not inevitable.
For patients navigating joint pain in a city known for advanced orthopedic care, informed conversations with experienced clinicians remain the most critical first step.
Contact Dr. Ponnanna KM – Scheduling & Locations
Opera Bone and Joint Clinic 14 Ground Floor, 4th Main, 6th Cross Rd, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560003
Sparsh Hospital 4/1, Tumkur Rd, Yeshwanthpur Industrial Area, Phase 1, Yeswanthpur, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560022
Tel: 8951545276
Mail: dr.ponnanna@gmail.com
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