To compare clinical outcomes between patellar resurfacing and nonresurfacing in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
Data from osteoarthritis patients who underwent TKA and were followed up for ≥ 9 years were analysed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two  groups: patellar nonresurfacing group and patellar resurfacing group. In the nonresurfacing group, the partial lateral facet of the patella was removed, the patella was reshaped to match the trochlea of the femoral prosthesis and circumpatellar denervation was performed. In the resurfacing  group, the patella was resurfaced with a cemented component. Clinical outcomes included incidence of anterior knee pain, Knee Society Score, patient satisfaction, revision rate and radiographic findings.
Of the 130 patients included, 71 were assigned to the nonresurfacing group and  59 to the resurfacing group. No significant between-group differences were observed for any clinical outcomes measured. The incidence of anterior knee pain was 14.1% (nonresurfacing group) and 5.1% (resurfacing group). The revision rate was 9.89% (nonresurfacing group) and 3.4% (resurfacing  group).
Clinical outcomes for patellar nonresurfacing, including patelloplasty and circumpatellar denervation, are similar to those for patellar resurfacing, in TKA.