I stepped into the waiting area of Opera Bone and Joint Clinic with a notebook and pen, ready to interview the man many call the Best Arthroscopic surgeon in Bengaluru. As a medical journalist, I was keen to understand what sets him apart, what his clinic offers, and why patients travel across the city for his care. My conversation with Dr. Ponnanna K.M would shed light on his training, work philosophy, and how his team delivers orthopedic and arthroscopic care in Bangalore.
From the very first handshake, it was evident — “Best Arthroscopic surgeon in Bengaluru” isn’t just a label, but a commitment to surgical precision, up-to-date methods, and patient-centric care.
Who is Dr. Ponnanna K.M — Qualifications & Clinical Experience
Dr. Ponnanna K.M’s credentials reflect a rigorous and globally-informed orthopedic training path. He completed his MBBS and then MS (Orthopaedics) at SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital under Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, followed by a DNB in Orthopaedics in 2015.
Seeking further specialization, he underwent a Fellowship in Adult Reconstruction Surgery (shoulder, hip, knee) under a noted arthroscopy and joint replacement expert in Pune. Thereafter, he pursued advanced international training: an AOA (Australian Orthopaedic Association) Fellowship in Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy and Joint Replacement in Sydney, Australia, focusing on shoulder, elbow, and knee surgeries. He also trained under esteemed hip and knee specialists at a top centre in Sydney — a testament to his commitment to global best practices.
Professionally, Dr. Ponnanna K.M has served as consultant orthopedic surgeon at reputed institutions and now leads his practice at Opera Bone and Joint Clinic, offering both arthroscopic surgery and joint replacement, shoulder and knee care, sports injury management — combining experience with specialization.
This background has earned him recognition among patients and peers as a leading Orthopedic Surgeon in Bangalore, especially for sports injuries, joint issues, and arthroscopic interventions.
Clinic Environment, Expertise & Setup at Opera Bone and Joint Clinic
Located in Malleswaram, Bangalore, Opera Bone and Joint Clinic presents a clean, organized, and professional environment for orthopedic and joint-care patients. As I toured the facility, I observed consultation rooms, preoperative and postoperative care spaces, and diagnostic support — all geared towards comprehensive joint care and sports-injury management.
The clinic’s service mix is broad: from arthroscopy and sports-medicine procedures to complex joint replacements — hip, knee, shoulder — including robotic and computer-navigated surgeries. This breadth of services illustrates why many refer to Dr. Ponnanna K.M not only as a specialist but as among the Best Orthopedic Doctor in Bangalore capable of handling routine to complex joint issues.
Furthermore, the clinic emphasizes personalized care: each patient’s treatment is tailored to their clinical condition, activity level, and recovery goals — a philosophy that resonates with active individuals, athletes, and those needing joint restoration.
Benefits and Risks of Arthroscopic Treatment & Joint Surgery
Benefits
- Minimally invasive with small incisions: Arthroscopic procedures involve tiny incisions rather than large cuts, significantly reducing tissue trauma.
- Faster recovery and less post-operative pain: With less soft tissue damage and reduced inflammation, patients often mobilize sooner and resume daily activities quicker than traditional open surgeries.
- Lower risk of complications such as infection and excessive bleeding: Minimally invasive nature reduces exposure of internal tissues to external contaminants.
- Better joint function preservation: Surgeons can repair ligaments, cartilage, or remove debris while preserving healthy tissue, aiming for improved long-term joint stability and mobility.
- Quicker return to sport or active lifestyle: For athletes and active adults, arthroscopy or targeted joint surgeries allow early rehabilitation and return to activity. This aligns with the clinic’s sports-medicine focus under Dr. Ponnanna K.M.
Risks & Limitations
- Not ideal for all conditions: For advanced joint degeneration or severe arthritis, arthroscopy may not yield long-term benefit; in some cases, open surgery or joint replacement might be necessary. Evidence suggests that for degenerative meniscus tears, benefits may not always surpass risks.
- Potential surgical complications: Like any surgery, there remains risk of infection, bleeding, blood clots, anesthetic complications, or persistent pain.
- Possibility of suboptimal long-term outcome: Outcomes depend on patient’s overall health, severity of damage, rehabilitation compliance — even with best care, full recovery isn’t guaranteed.
- Need for realistic expectations and proper follow-up: Patients must follow aftercare instructions and avoid high-impact activity until cleared, or risk re-injury.
Approximate Cost Range (General Estimate)
During my discussion, Dr. Ponnanna K.M clarified that cost depends on multiple factors: type of procedure (simple arthroscopy vs. complex joint replacement), implants used (if any), hospital stay duration, and rehabilitation plan.
For a standard arthroscopic procedure — such as meniscus repair, ligament reconstruction, or diagnostic arthroscopy — costs at private clinics or hospitals in Bengaluru generally fall into a moderate range, inclusive of surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, and basic post-operative care.
More advanced procedures like robotic-assisted knee or hip replacement, or complex multi-ligament repairs, fall into a higher cost bracket, given the surgical complexity and technology involved.
He emphasized transparent discussion: before any procedure, patients receive a plan estimating sessions, hospital stay, implants (if needed), and approximate cost — ensuring clarity and avoiding unexpected expenses.
Precautions & Aftercare Advice Shared by Dr. Ponnanna
When I asked about recovery and patient responsibilities, Dr. Ponnanna K.M stressed that success depends not just on surgical technique but also on disciplined aftercare:
- Full disclosure of medical history before surgery — existing conditions, medications, prior injuries — to help plan safe surgery and minimize risks.
- Follow post-operative rehabilitation protocols strictly — including physiotherapy, controlled weight-bearing progression, and gradual return to normal activity.
- Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity until the joint heals — premature stress on the joint can impair recovery or cause re-injury.
- Maintain proper nutrition and hydration, and monitor for complications such as infection, swelling, or unusual pain — report them promptly.
- Commit to follow-up assessments and possibly preventive therapy (physiotherapy or lifestyle adjustments) to prolong joint health and function over years.
Dr. Ponnanna K.M emphasized that arthroscopic surgery is not a “quick fix” — optimal outcome depends on patient cooperation and a realistic approach to recovery and joint care.
Why Expertise Matters: The Role of a Specialized Orthopedic Surgeon in Bangalore – Best Arthroscopic surgeon in Bengaluru
In complex joint injuries and sports-related trauma, surgical outcomes depend heavily on the surgeon’s level of specialization and precision. This is where the expertise of the Best Arthroscopic surgeon in Bengaluru becomes crucial. Arthroscopic surgery demands advanced technical skill, experience with minimally invasive equipment, and the ability to assess micro-level joint structures while preserving healthy tissue. A surgeon trained in international orthopedic and sports-medicine practices brings a deeper understanding of biomechanics, rehabilitation strategies, and modern surgical advancements such as robotic-assisted procedures.
For patients — whether athletes, working professionals, or older adults — choosing a highly skilled specialist ensures safer procedures, faster recovery, and more predictable long-term joint function. Expertise is not just a credential; it directly influences mobility, independence, and quality of life.
Concluding Thoughts & CTA
My visit to Opera Bone and Joint Clinic and conversation with Dr. Ponnanna K.M underlined a fundamental truth: when joint pain threatens mobility and life quality, skilled, evidence-based, and patient-centered orthopedic care can make all the difference. Arthoscopic surgery and advanced joint care are not magic bullets — but when applied by experienced hands and followed with commitment to recovery, they offer real prospects of regaining mobility and returning to normal life.
If you or someone you know faces joint pain, instability, or sports injury — and you value precision, experience, and a personalized approach — consider scheduling a consultation.
Serving you from Bengaluru. Have a query or want to schedule a consultation? We are just a call away.
📞 89515 45276
📧 dr.ponnanna@gmail.comGet Directions to the Clinic – Opera Bone and Joint Clinic