Patella denervation in primary total knee arthroplasty - a randomized controlled trial with 2 years of follow-up

126 patients who were scheduled to undergo primary TKA due to osteoarthrosis were randomly assigned into 1 of 2 groups: a patella denervation group and a standard TKA group. The purpose was to determine the effect of patella denervation during the TKA procedure over 2 years postoperatively. The results of the study indicated that pain scores for anterior knee pain were significantly better in the denervation group at 3 months, although significance was lost at 12- and 24-month follow ups. Patients who received denervation treatment reported significantly higher satisfaction with treatment at 24 months. Flexion range was reported significantly improved in patients who received treatment with denervation as well. No significant improvements in validated knee outcome measurements were found in patients who received denervation of their patella.