Does patellar denervation reduce post-operative anterior knee pain after total knee arthroplasty?

7 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 898 patients were included in this meta-analysis investigating the efficacy of patellar denervation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of patellar denervation on the incidence of anterior knee pain (AKP), as well as functional scores and knee range of motion postoperatively. Sub-group analyses were performed based on those who had undergone follow-up for <12 months, and those who had undergone follow-up for >12 months. Meta-analysis indicated that patellar denervation was associated with significantly improved results regarding incidence of anterior knee pain, overall VAS pain, functional outcome scores, and range of motion at follow-up <12 months, though results beyond 12 month follow-up were not statistically significant.