Is patellar denervation necessary in total knee arthroplasty without patellar resurfacing?

Six randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis analyzing the efficacy of patellar denervation through circumpatellar electrocautery in reducing the incidence of anterior knee pain following total knee arthroplasty without patellar resurfacing. The results demonstrated a trend towards a reduction in the incidence of anterior knee pain in patients who underwent surgery with patellar denervation, however, the difference was not statistically significant. Additionally, there were no differences in the incidence of complications or reoperation between groups. Pooled results from two studies suggested groups which received patellar denervation demonstrated significantly higher Knee Society Scores postoperatively. This meta-analysis was limited by the number of studies eligible for inclusion.