As a medical journalist, I have interviewed surgeons across multiple specialties, but orthopedic reconstruction often reveals how closely technology and quality of life are intertwined. During a recent visit to Opera Bone and Joint Clinic in Malleswaram, Bangalore, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Ponnanna KM and discuss one such evolving procedure—Total Shoulder Replacement. The visit offered an inside look into how modern orthopedic care approaches chronic shoulder pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility, particularly in aging and active populations.
Meeting Dr. Ponnanna KM: Qualifications and Clinical Experience
Dr. Ponnanna KM professional background reflects a structured and specialized journey in orthopedic surgery. He holds an MBBS degree, followed by a Master’s in Orthopaedics, and has pursued focused training in joint replacement surgery, arthroscopy, and advanced orthopedic reconstruction. His clinical exposure includes managing degenerative joint diseases, trauma-related injuries, and complex shoulder disorders.
Over the years, Dr. Ponnanna has treated patients with conditions ranging from severe osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis to rotator cuff arthropathy and post-traumatic shoulder damage. According to him, shoulder replacement surgeries demand a different level of precision compared to hip or knee replacements due to the joint’s complex biomechanics.
His work across outpatient evaluation and hospital-based surgery places him among professionals often recognized as the Best Orthopedic Doctor in Bangalore, particularly for shoulder and upper-limb reconstruction, though he maintains a measured, outcomes-focused approach to such designations.
Clinic Environment, Expertise, and Setup
Opera Bone and Joint Clinic is located in a calm residential part of Malleswaram, offering a focused setting for orthopedic consultations. During my visit, the clinic appeared designed for efficiency rather than volume—dedicated examination areas, access to diagnostic imaging review, and time allotted for patient discussion.
Dr. Ponnanna explained that while evaluations and follow-ups take place at Opera Bone and Joint Clinic, surgical procedures such as Total Shoulder Replacement are performed at Sparsh Hospital, which provides advanced operating theatres, imaging support, and structured post-operative rehabilitation services. This integrated model allows continuity of care while ensuring access to high-end surgical infrastructure.
The setup reflects what one would expect from an Orthopedic Surgeon in Bangalore who balances outpatient care with complex surgical intervention.
Understanding Total Shoulder Replacement
Total Shoulder Replacement is a surgical procedure in which damaged portions of the shoulder joint are replaced with artificial components. Dr. Ponnanna described it as a solution primarily reserved for patients with advanced joint degeneration, where conservative measures no longer provide relief.
He highlighted how technological advancements—such as improved implant design, better materials, and precise surgical planning—have significantly changed outcomes. Modern implants are designed to mimic natural shoulder movement more closely, allowing patients to regain functional range of motion rather than merely pain relief.
According to Dr. Ponnanna, appropriate patient selection remains crucial. Not all shoulder pain requires replacement, and extensive clinical evaluation precedes any surgical recommendation.
Benefits and Risks: A Balanced Medical View
From a benefits perspective, Total Shoulder Replacement can offer:
- Significant reduction in chronic shoulder pain
- Improved range of motion and daily function
- Enhanced sleep quality due to pain relief
- Better ability to perform routine activities
However, Dr. Ponnanna was careful to outline the associated risks, which include infection, implant loosening, stiffness, nerve injury, or the need for revision surgery in the long term. While modern techniques have reduced complication rates, no surgical intervention is without risk.
He emphasized that realistic expectations are essential—while many patients experience meaningful improvement, the shoulder may not return to the strength or endurance of a completely healthy joint.
Approximate Cost Range: A General Overview
Cost considerations for Total Shoulder Replacement vary depending on multiple factors. Dr. Ponnanna explained that expenses typically depend on:
- Type of implant used
- Hospital facilities and length of stay
- Surgical complexity
- Rehabilitation requirements
In Bangalore, such procedures generally fall into a moderate to higher orthopedic cost range, particularly when advanced implants and hospital-based care are involved. Patients are usually provided with individualized estimates after evaluation, rather than standardized pricing.
Precautions and Aftercare Advice Shared During the Interview
Post-operative care plays a central role in surgical success. Dr. Ponnanna outlined several precautions and aftercare principles:
- Temporary immobilization using a sling
- Gradual physiotherapy under professional supervision
- Avoidance of heavy lifting during early recovery
- Adherence to follow-up schedules
Rehabilitation, he noted, is often a months-long process rather than a quick recovery. Patients who actively participate in physiotherapy and respect healing timelines tend to achieve better outcomes.
A Journalist’s Closing Reflection
As I concluded my visit, what stood out was not just the technical complexity of Total Shoulder Replacement, but the emphasis on thoughtful decision-making. The procedure represents a convergence of medical science, engineering, and patient lifestyle considerations.
For individuals living with persistent shoulder pain, understanding available options—rather than rushing toward surgery—appears to be the most responsible 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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