Does patellar denervation prevent anterior knee pain and improve patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing non-resurfaced total knee arthroplasty? an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract Background Anterior knee pain (AKP) is the most common complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). It is unclear which procedure of addressing AKP is preferable. Some data suggest patellar denervation (PD) provides effective AKP prevention. The purpose was to assess the effectiveness and safety of PD in primary TKA. Methods A meta-analysis was performed of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from inception to March 26, 2020, using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. Study-specific RR and MD were aggregated using random or fixed effects models. The outcomes were incidences of AKP, PS (patellar scores), VAS (visual analogue scale), ROM (range of motion), KSS knee (American Knee Society knee scores), KSS function (American Knee Society function scores), incidence of complications and revisions. Results Ten RCTs involving 1196 knees were included. The meta-analysis showed no significant in PD group on the incidence of AKP (RR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.37, 1.11; p = 0.11) with moderate heterogeneity (P < 0.01, I 2 = 84%). Our results indicated PD had a significantly better VAS (MD = − 0.25; 95% CI -0.41, -0.09; p < 0.01), ROM (MD = 7.68; 95% CI 0.34, 15.20; p = 0.04) and PS (MD = 0.91; 95% CI 0.36, 1.46; p < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference no matter in KSS knee, KSS function, complications or revisions. Conclusions This meta-analysis showed that no difference in AKP between PD and NPD in patients undergoing non-resurfaced TKA. PD could improve clinical outcome in VAS, post-operative ROM and PS.