Patellar denervation in total knee arthroplasty without patellar resurfacing and postoperative anterior knee pain: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Five randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis investigating the efficacy of patellar denervation for reducing anterior knee pain following total knee arthroplasty. Studies which compared groups who received circumpatellar electrocautery to those who were treated conventionally without patellar denervation were included. Pooled results demonstrated significantly reduced incidence and severity of anterior knee pain with patellar denervation, as well as a significantly greater improvement in knee function when compared to groups who were not treated with patellar denervation. The incidence of complications did not indicate a significant difference between groups.