Dr. Ponnanna K.M on Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery in Bangalore

 

When I first stepped into the pristine corridors of Opera Bone & Joint Clinic in Malleshwaram, Bangalore, it felt more like entering a precision lab than a traditional orthopedic setup. I was there to meet Dr. Ponnanna K.M, a surgeon increasingly recognized for pioneering Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery in Bangalore an evolving frontier in orthopaedic care that blends human expertise with robotic precision.

Dr. Ponnanna K.M: qualifications, experience, and clinic setup

Dr. Ponnanna K.M credentials reveal a steady climb toward surgical excellence. He earned his MS in Orthopaedics from SDM College, Dharwad, followed by a DNB in Orthopaedics in 2015. After years of honing his skills in complex knee and shoulder procedures, he completed fellowships in Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine under Dr. Sachin Tapasvi (Pune) and in Adult Joint Reconstruction and Arthroplasty through the Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA) in Sydney.

Currently, Dr. Ponnanna serves as a Consultant Orthopaedic and Robotic Joint Replacement Surgeon at SPARSH Hospital, Yeswanthpur, and leads Opera Bone & Joint Clinic in Malleshwaram. His clinic—clean, contemporary, and efficiently designed—houses consultation suites, physiotherapy areas, digital imaging access, and ties with major hospitals for advanced surgical procedures.

During our conversation, Dr. Ponnanna explained how robotic technology is reshaping knee replacement. “Robotics doesn’t replace the surgeon,” he said, “it enhances precision by mapping the knee in three dimensions, allowing individualized bone cuts and implant alignment to the patient’s anatomy.”

Comparing practices: India and abroad

To understand where India stands in robotic orthopaedics, I looked at national and global peers.

In India, surgeons like Dr. Ashok Rajgopal at Medanta and Dr. Arvind Kumar at Apollo Hospitals have been instrumental in introducing robotic-assisted knee replacements. They focus on precision, early recovery, and implant longevity.

Internationally, specialists such as Dr. Richard D. Scott (Boston, USA) and Professor Justin Cobb (UK) have refined minimally invasive and robotic techniques over decades. Western centers often integrate intraoperative navigation and AI-based planning tools, supported by large-scale data and research funding.

Dr. Ponnanna K.M’s practice stands somewhere between these models—bridging international precision with India’s accessibility. His training abroad allows him to adapt global protocols to local realities, from cost to patient compliance.

Understanding robotic knee replacement: pros and cons

As Dr. Ponnanna K.M explained, robotic knee replacement involves using a computer-assisted robotic arm to perform bone resections and implant placement with sub-millimeter accuracy. The system creates a 3D model of the patient’s knee before surgery, guiding the surgeon during each step.

Pros:

• Higher accuracy: The robotic arm ensures precise implant alignment and optimal joint balance.
• Less tissue damage: Minimally invasive incisions reduce blood loss and post-op pain.
• Faster recovery: Most patients can walk with support within a day or two.
• Better longevity: Correct implant placement can extend implant life and joint stability.
• Personalized results: The system tailors every cut and rotation to individual anatomy.

Cons:

• Cost: Robotic systems are expensive, increasing overall treatment cost.
• Learning curve: Surgeons require specialized training for robotic operation.
• Technology dependence: Availability is limited to high-end centers.
• Not for all patients: Extremely deformed or fragile bones may still need traditional approaches.

Despite these limitations, Dr. Ponnanna observed that patient satisfaction and recovery speed have noticeably improved with robotic methods.

Cost of robotic knee replacement: India vs abroad

Costs for Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery in Bangalore vary depending on hospital setup, implant brand, and technology used.

• In Bangalore, the average cost per knee ranges between ₹2.5 lakhs to ₹4.5 lakhs, occasionally higher in premium facilities.
• Nationwide, robotic joint replacements in major metros like Mumbai or Delhi can cost up to ₹5–₹6 lakhs per knee.
• Internationally, similar procedures in the U.S. or U.K. range between USD 25,000–45,000 (approximately ₹20–35 lakhs), often excluding post-op physiotherapy.

Dr. Ponnanna was quick to highlight that while robotic technology raises upfront costs, it can save on long-term revisions and complications—an economic trade-off worth considering for suitable candidates.

Postoperative care and recovery: advice from the expert

At Opera Bone & Joint Clinic, recovery is as structured as the surgery itself. Dr. Ponnanna outlined the key phases of rehabilitation:

1. Early mobilization (Day 1–3): Gentle movements, assisted walking, and isometric exercises begin within 24 hours of surgery.
2. Physiotherapy (Week 1–6): Supervised sessions focus on range of motion, muscle strengthening, and gait training.
3. Progressive training (Week 6–12): Gradual return to regular activities with balance and stability exercises.
4. Long-term lifestyle: Patients are advised to maintain ideal body weight, avoid high-impact sports, and practice joint-friendly habits like swimming or cycling.

Precautions

• Keep the incision clean and dry; report any signs of infection.
• Avoid squatting or kneeling until cleared by the surgeon.
• Follow medication schedules for pain and thrombosis prevention.
• Attend regular follow-ups for implant monitoring.

Dr. Ponnanna also stressed the mental aspect of recovery: “Patient confidence matters as much as physical therapy. The body heals best when the mind trusts the process.”

Final reflection and subtle recommendation

As I left the clinic, what stood out was not the whirring of technology but the clarity of purpose that guided its use. Robotic assistance, in Dr. Ponnanna’s hands, seems less about replacing human skill and more about refining it. The precision, consistency, and safety that come from this approach could well define the next decade of orthopaedic care in India.

In a country where knee arthritis is rising sharply, the introduction of Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery in Bangalore offers both hope and responsibility—hope for patients seeking faster recovery and responsibility for doctors to use these tools ethically and effectively.

If you or a loved one is considering knee replacement, do your research, ask questions about technology, and ensure your chosen surgeon values both precision and patient empathy. The future of orthopaedics, as I witnessed in Bangalore, is robotic—but guided by a very human hand.

Contact Dr. Ponnanna KM – Scheduling & Locations

Opera Bone and Joint Clinic
#14, Ground Floor, 4th Main, 6th Cross, Malleswaram,
Bangalore – 560003

Tel: 89515 45276

Mail: dr.ponnanna@gmail.com