I arrived at Opera Bone and Joint Clinic on a clear Bangalore morning with the intent of understanding how knee arthritis is managed in a high-volume orthopedic setting. As a medical journalist, I rely on observation and conversation rather than claims. My meeting with Dr Ponnanna KM—whose name frequently surfaces in discussions around Knee Replacement in Banglalore—was an opportunity to examine clinical decision-making, surgical philosophy, and patient care from the inside.
Meeting Dr Ponnanna KM: Qualifications and Training
Dr Ponnanna KM professional background reflects a conventional yet rigorous orthopedic pathway. He is formally trained in orthopedics, with advanced exposure to joint replacement procedures, particularly of the knee. His qualifications include postgraduate specialization in orthopedic surgery, followed by focused training in knee arthroplasty techniques.
In conversation, Dr Ponnanna emphasized the importance of anatomy-driven surgery and evidence-based protocols. He spoke about how modern knee replacement has evolved from a “last resort” intervention to a carefully timed procedure that prioritizes mobility, pain relief, and long-term joint function. His experience spans several years of managing degenerative knee disease, complex arthritis cases, and revision surgeries—experience that shapes his conservative approach to recommending surgery.
Clinical Experience and Scope of Practice
Dr Ponnanna’s clinical work largely centers on degenerative joint disease, sports-related knee injuries, and age-related osteoarthritis. According to him, knee replacement is never a one-size-fits-all solution. Each case requires assessment of alignment, ligament balance, bone quality, and patient lifestyle.
During the interview, he described how his role extends beyond the operating room. Pre-surgical counseling, expectation setting, and post-operative rehabilitation planning form a substantial part of his daily practice. His work places him among orthopedic professionals commonly referred to as an Orthopedic Surgeon in Bangalore, though he remained cautious about labels, preferring outcome-based evaluation instead.
Inside Opera Bone and Joint Clinic: Environment and Setup
Opera Bone and Joint Clinic, located in Malleswaram, is a focused orthopedic facility rather than a general outpatient center. The clinic environment appeared structured and purpose-built, with consultation rooms designed for physical examination and imaging review. There is a noticeable emphasis on patient flow and privacy, allowing adequate consultation time.
For surgical procedures, Dr Ponnanna operates at Sparsh Hospital, a multi-specialty setup equipped with operation theaters designed for joint replacement surgeries. During my visit, the integration between clinic consultation and hospital-based surgery appeared seamless, with standardized protocols guiding patients from diagnosis to recovery.
The clinic setup supports both conservative management and surgical intervention, reflecting Dr Ponnanna’s stated preference to exhaust non-surgical options before recommending knee replacement.
Understanding Knee Replacement: Benefits and Risks
Knee replacement surgery is primarily indicated for advanced arthritis when pain and stiffness significantly impair daily activities. Dr Ponnanna outlined the key benefits in clinical terms:
- Reduction in chronic knee pain
- Improved joint alignment and stability
- Enhanced mobility and walking tolerance
- Better overall quality of life
However, he was equally direct about risks—an aspect he insists patients understand fully. Potential risks include infection, blood clots, implant loosening, stiffness, and the possibility of revision surgery years later. While complication rates are low when protocols are followed, he stressed that no surgical procedure is entirely risk-free.
He noted that realistic expectations play a critical role in patient satisfaction. Knee replacement improves function but does not restore a knee to its pre-arthritis state.
Cost Range: A Neutral Overview
When asked about cost, Dr Ponnanna avoided precise figures, explaining that expenses vary depending on implant type, hospital stay, and patient-specific factors. In Bangalore, knee replacement surgery generally falls within a broad range, influenced by whether the procedure is unilateral or bilateral, and the rehabilitation requirements afterward.
He advised patients to view cost in conjunction with implant quality, surgical expertise, and post-operative support rather than as an isolated factor.
Precautions and Aftercare: Advice from the Interview
A significant portion of our discussion focused on aftercare—often underestimated by patients. Dr Ponnanna shared several precautions he routinely emphasizes:
- Optimizing health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension before surgery
- Avoiding unnecessary delays once surgery is clinically indicated
- Following prehabilitation exercises to strengthen muscles
Post-surgery aftercare typically includes structured physiotherapy, gradual weight-bearing, wound care, and regular follow-up visits. He stressed that rehabilitation is not optional; it is integral to surgical success.
Patients are also advised to avoid high-impact activities after knee replacement, focusing instead on low-impact movement that preserves implant longevity.
Knee Replacement in an Aging Urban Population
Bangalore’s demographic shift toward an aging population has increased the demand for joint replacement surgery. Dr Ponnanna observed that patients today are better informed and more active, seeking solutions that allow them to maintain independence.
In this context, discussions around Knee Replacement in Banglalore are less about surgical availability and more about timing, patient selection, and long-term planning. Dr Ponnanna’s approach reflects this shift—measured, data-driven, and centered on functional outcomes.
His work has also led some patients and peers to describe him as the Best Orthopedic Doctor in Bangalore, though he maintained that outcomes and patient adherence ultimately define success more than titles.
Reflections from the Visit
As I concluded my visit to Opera Bone and Joint Clinic, one thing stood out clearly: knee replacement is not merely a surgical event, but a process that unfolds over months of preparation, intervention, and rehabilitation. Dr Ponnanna KM practice highlights the importance of informed consent, realistic expectations, and disciplined aftercare.
Contact Dr. Ponnanna KM – Scheduling & Locations
📍 Opera Bone and Joint Clinic – Yeshwanthpur / Malleswaram
Tel: 89515 45276
Mail: dr.ponnanna@gmail.com
