Interview with Dr. Ponnanna K.M — Leading the Way in Hip Replacement in Bengaluru
- Urvi Raj
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
As a medical journalist committed to shedding light on advances in orthopedic care, I recently visited Opera Bone and Joint Clinic in Bengaluru to interview Dr. Ponnanna K.M — hailed as the top Orthopedic Surgeon in Bangalore — about his work and the growing role of Hip Replacement in Bengaluru for patients suffering from debilitating hip joint conditions. What struck me immediately was Dr. Ponnanna K.M’s blend of global surgical experience, technical expertise, and patient-centric care philosophy, which together seem to set new benchmarks for joint replacement outcomes in the city.
Who is Dr. Ponnanna K.M: Qualifications & Professional Background
According to the clinic’s official profile, Dr. Ponnanna K.M completed his Master of Surgery in Orthopaedics at SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital in 2015, under the banner of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, and subsequently gained his DNB in Orthopaedics in the same year.
He further pursued a fellowship in Adult Reconstruction Surgery — specialising in shoulder, hip, and knee — under the mentorship of renowned joint-replacement and arthroscopy surgeon Dr. Sachin Tapasvi in Pune.
In the years that followed, Dr. Ponnanna K.M served as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at respected institutions including Ramaiah Memorial Hospital and M.S. Ramaiah Medical College.
His credentials gained an international dimension when he was selected for a fellowship under the auspices of the Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA) in Australia — where he trained in shoulder, elbow, knee sports medicine (arthroscopy) and joint replacement surgery.
He further enhanced his skills with a subsequent AOA hip and knee fellowship at the prestigious Concord Repatriation General Hospital in Sydney, widely recognized as a top hip and knee center during 2020–2021.
As a result of this broad and deep training, Dr. Ponnanna K.M is widely regarded as one of the top choices for joint replacement in Bengaluru — often listed among the Best Orthopedic Doctor in Bangalore.
Clinic Environment & Setup: Opera Bone and Joint Clinic, Bengaluru
At Opera Bone and Joint Clinic — located in the Malleswaram area of Bengaluru — the atmosphere is professional and patient-friendly. The facility is described as a trusted orthopaedic centre offering advanced joint care for shoulder, hip, and knee conditions under a skilled orthopedic surgeon.
During my visit, I observed that the clinic maintains a clean, calm, and organized ambience. Appointment scheduling was smooth, the staff courteous, and the consultation felt thorough and unhurried. Patients seemed to appreciate the clarity of explanation and the personal attention given to their concerns. The clinic offers everything from diagnostics, non-surgical management to recommendations for surgical intervention — seamlessly referring patients for hospital-based procedures when needed.
For surgeries such as hip replacement, the clinic collaborates with larger hospitals (for example, as listed with associated hospitals in Bengaluru) to ensure full operative and post-operative care.
Understanding Hip Replacement in Bengaluru: When & How It’s Done
Dr. Ponnanna K.M explained that Hip Replacement in Bengaluru becomes a considered option for individuals whose hip joints are severely damaged due to arthritis, trauma, avascular necrosis, or other degenerative conditions that limit mobility and impair quality of life. Modern developments in surgical technique — including minimally invasive approaches and advanced reconstruction — have significantly improved safety and recovery times.
At Opera Bone and Joint Clinic (in collaboration with associated hospitals), patients are evaluated thoroughly. If surgery is recommended, options may include a total hip replacement, revision hip replacement, or minimally invasive techniques depending on the patient’s condition.
Dr. Ponnanna K.M’s background in both arthroscopy and joint replacement enables him to tailor treatment plans carefully — sometimes recommending non-surgical interventions first, and proceeding to surgery only when conservative management does not deliver sufficient relief. This reflects a measured, patient-focused approach typical of a trusted Orthopedic Surgeon in Bangalore.
Benefits and Risks of Hip Replacement Surgery
Benefits
Pain Relief & Improved Mobility: One of the major advantages of hip replacement is relief from chronic hip pain and restored ability to walk, climb stairs, and engage in daily activities with much greater comfort.
Long-Term Joint Function: With well-designed implants and proper surgical technique, many patients enjoy improved joint function for years after surgery, often returning to near-normal activity levels.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Reduced dependence on pain medication, improved sleep, and restored mobility often lead to better overall health, emotional well-being, and independence.
Risks and Potential Complications
As with any major surgery, hip replacement carries risks such as infection, bleeding, thrombo-embolic events, or anaesthesia-related complications.
There is also a possibility of prosthesis wear or loosening over time, especially if post-operative care or rehabilitation is sub-optimal.
In rare cases, revision surgery may be required.
For older or medically complex patients (e.g., with diabetes, cardiovascular issues), risks increase, necessitating careful pre-surgical evaluation and post-op monitoring.
Dr. Ponnanna K.M emphasizes that these risks are mitigated significantly when surgery is done by an experienced surgeon and followed by disciplined aftercare and physiotherapy.
Approximate Cost Range — A General Overview for Bengaluru
Based on medical industry sources and recent cost estimations for joint replacement surgeries in India — including Bengaluru — the cost for Hip Replacement in Bengaluru typically depends on factors such as implant quality, hospital stay duration, type of replacement (total vs partial vs revision), and associated pre- and post-surgical care.
Available data suggests:
Traditional hip replacement surgeries often range between ₹2,80,000 to ₹3,50,000 as a baseline estimate.
In more comprehensive packages (including advanced implants, extended post-op care, physiotherapy), costs may vary higher depending on individual patient needs
Dr. Ponnanna K.M recommends that patients view cost as one component — not at the expense of quality. He noted that surgical expertise, implant quality, and post-operative rehabilitation play a far more significant role in long-term outcomes than merely seeking lowest-priced options.
Precautions & Aftercare Advice Shared by Dr. Ponnanna K.M
During our interview, Dr. Ponnanna K.M stressed that the success of hip replacement depends heavily on post-surgical discipline and realistic recovery planning. Key aftercare recommendations he highlighted:
Strict observance of mobility guidelines — especially in early weeks — to avoid undue stress on the new joint
Consistent physiotherapy and gradual weight-bearing under professional supervision
Maintaining a balanced diet, hydration, and follow-up visits to monitor healing and implant stability
Monitoring for signs of infection, swelling, or abnormal pain, and reporting them immediately
Avoiding high-impact activities until cleared by the surgeon — focusing instead on low-impact mobility and strengthening
Setting realistic expectations: recovery takes time, and patients should not rush into heavy activity
He emphasized that patients who follow aftercare instructions carefully generally have better long-term mobility and reduced risk of revision.
Final Reflections
Visiting Opera Bone and Joint Clinic and speaking with Dr. Ponnanna K.M gave me a deep insight into how modern orthopaedic care in Bengaluru is evolving — combining high technical standards, global training, and patient-centred care. Hip replacement today is not just a last resort but a well-established pathway to restoring mobility and improving quality of life when hip joint damage becomes debilitating. With internationally trained surgeons like Dr. Ponnanna K.M leading the charge, patients in Bengaluru now have access to advanced hip care without compromising on personalised attention.
For those weighing the decision to proceed with surgery, understanding the full journey — from preoperative planning through surgery to rehabilitation — remains essential.
CTA — Thoughtful, Journalistic Closing
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