I walked into the state-of-the-art operative wing of Opera Bone and Joint Clinic as a medical journalist — pen in hand, questions ready. I was there to meet Dr. Ponnanna K.M and explore first-hand how his team performs Robotic knee replacement surgery in Banglore, and what patients can expect in terms of care, cost, benefits and risks.
Who is Dr. Ponnanna K.M — Credentials & Clinical Background
Dr. Ponnanna K.M is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon based in Bangalore. He completed his Master of Surgery in Orthopaedics at SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital in 2015, under the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, followed by a DNB in Orthopaedics in the same year.
Seeking further specialization, he undertook a fellowship in Adult Reconstruction Surgery — focusing on hip, shoulder and knee — under the guidance of reputed joint replacement specialist Dr. Sachin Tapasvi in Pune.
His training did not stop there. Dr. Ponnanna K.M was awarded a fellowship by the Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA) in Australia — where he honed his skills in sports-medicine arthroscopy, joint replacement surgery, especially shoulder, elbow, and knee procedures, including complex arthroscopy and joint reconstruction.
He subsequently trained further in hip and knee sports medicine and joint replacement under one of Sydney’s leading hip-knee surgeons at Concord Repatriation General Hospital — a recognized centre for hip and knee care.
With this global training, Dr. Ponnanna K.M has amassed over 15 years of experience, performing a wide array of joint surgeries — from arthroscopy to total joint replacements. This makes him one of the recognized Orthopedic Surgeon in Bangalore capable of undertaking advanced procedures including robotic-assisted knee replacement.
Clinic Environment, Expertise and Setup
Opera Bone and Joint Clinic, located in Malleswaram, Bangalore, serves as Dr. Ponnanna K.M’s primary base for orthopedic and joint surgeries. Upon my visit, I noted a modern, well-equipped facility: clean consultation rooms, diagnostic imaging support, pre-operative assessment area, and a fully equipped operating theatre capable of robotic and computer-navigated joint replacement procedures — including robotic total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, revision surgeries, and even AI-augmented reality knee surgeries.
Additionally, the clinic offers a broad spectrum of orthopedic care: arthroscopy, sports-injury surgery, shoulder and hip replacements, fracture management — all emphasizing minimally invasive and precision-guided techniques. This breadth of services underscores why many regard Dr. Ponnanna K.M as one of the Best Orthopedic Doctor in Bangalore.
Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery in Banglore: What’s Special
When I asked Dr. Ponnanna K.M why patients are increasingly asking for Robotic knee replacement surgery in Banglore, he highlighted the precision and consistency the robotic-assisted method brings. The robotic system helps plan bone cuts, align implants with millimetre-level accuracy, and balance soft tissues around the knee — factors that potentially improve implant longevity, alignment, and patient satisfaction.
This applies especially in complex cases — patients with severe osteoarthritis, deformities, or those requiring revision surgeries. The use of robotic guidance minimizes human variability, thereby reducing risks of misalignment and improving functional outcomes.
Benefits and Risks of the Treatment
Benefits
- Improved precision and alignment: Robotic guidance ensures accurate bone cuts and implant positioning, which helps restore the mechanical axis of the leg and may enhance implant durability and knee function.
- Tailored surgical planning: Pre-operative planning tools and intra-operative feedback allow customization based on each patient’s anatomy — useful in patients with deformities or previous surgeries.
- Potentially faster recovery and better outcomes: With accurate implant placement and minimized soft-tissue damage, patients may walk sooner and achieve better mobility and comfort post-surgery.
- Comprehensive care continuum: At a clinic like Opera Bone and Joint Clinic, patients benefit from pre-surgical evaluation, surgery, and post-operative physiotherapy and follow-up — all under the care of an experienced orthopedic surgeon.
Risks and Considerations
- Surgical risks remain: Even with robotic assistance, risks like infection, blood clots, implant loosening, wound healing issues, or adverse reactions exist — common to any major joint replacement.
- Cost and complexity: Robotic knee replacement tends to be more expensive than conventional knee replacement due to equipment, surgical time, and advanced implants.
- Need for careful patient selection: Not all patients are ideal candidates — factors like bone quality, general health, comorbidities, and realistic expectations play a role.
- Post-operative rehab is essential: Success depends not just on surgery but on rigorous rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and adherence to post-surgery instructions.
Approximate Cost Range
During my interview, Dr. Ponnanna K.M noted that costs vary greatly depending on factors such as whether it’s a single knee or bilateral surgery, type of implant used, robotic system involved, hospital stay duration, pre- and post-operative care, and physiotherapy needs.
Industry-wide estimates for robotic total knee replacement in Bangalore place costs roughly between ₹2,00,000 to ₹2,60,000 per knee in many hospitals. Some high-end packages — including implants, advanced robotics, premium hospital stay, and physiotherapy — may cost more.
Given these variations, the clinic recommends a detailed assessment and personalized package quote rather than fixed blanket pricing — ensuring patients understand what’s included (implants, rehabilitation, follow-up) before proceeding.
Precautions and Aftercare Advice Shared by Dr. Ponnanna K.M
In our conversation, Dr. Ponnanna K.M stressed that surgery marks the beginning — not the end — of the recovery journey. Key precautions and aftercare guidelines he highlighted:
- Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation: Early mobilisation, guided physiotherapy, and gradual strengthening exercises are critical to regain range of motion and stability.
- Post-operative care and follow-ups: Regular follow-up visits, X-rays, and monitoring implant alignment and healing are necessary — especially in first 6–12 months.
- Lifestyle and weight management: Maintaining healthy weight, balanced nutrition, avoiding undue stress on joint — essential to prolong implant life and ensure functional recovery.
- Realistic expectations and compliance: Patients should understand that while robotic surgery offers higher precision, recovery still takes weeks; patience, compliance with physiotherapy, and realistic expectations matter more than just technology.
- Risk awareness and precautions: Awareness about possible complications — infection, blood clots, wound healing delays — and adherence to post-operative protocols (medication, hygiene, mobility restrictions) are important for successful outcomes.
Why Having a Skilled Orthopedic Surgeon in Bangalore Matters
In a metropolis like Bangalore — with its mix of rapid urban lifestyle, sedentary work, and rising cases of joint degeneration — access to a well-trained, globally-exposed Orthopedic Surgeon in Bangalore is critical. Robotic knee replacement offers a sophisticated option, but only when performed by an expert with deep understanding of anatomy, surgical technique, and post-operative care.
At Opera Bone and Joint Clinic, under Dr. Ponnanna K.M, patients benefit from internationally trained expertise, modern facilities, and a patient-centred approach — making it among the top choices for those seeking advanced joint care in Bangalore. For many, such care can mean the difference between chronic pain and restored mobility.
Reflective CTA
If you or a loved one are experiencing persistent knee pain, joint degeneration, or mobility issues — and considering a long-term solution — exploring Robotic knee replacement surgery in Banglore with experienced surgeons like Dr. Ponnanna K.M might be the step that changes your quality of life. Take time to consult, understand risks and benefits, and discuss a tailored plan with your doctor.
Serving you from Bangalore. Have a query or want to schedule a consultation? We are just a call away.
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