Background: Management of patellar maltracking during primary TKA is of considerable importance. Lateral release, which is generally performed for this purpose, is associated with several complications. 
Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of partial lateral facetectomy in tracking the patella in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). 
Methods: In a retrospective study, the efficiency of partial lateral facetectomy of the patella in achieving proper tracking of the patella was evaluated in 116 patients who underwent unresurfaced patellar-retaining TKA. The radiographic outcome measures included the patellar tilt and patellar shift. The functional outcome was assessed with Kujala anterior knee pain scale. 
Results: The Mean±SD age of the patients was 66.3±7.6 years. The mean follow-up of patients was ‎‎20.6±8.9 months. The Mean±SD patellar tilt was ‎‎10.5±7.2‎‎‏°‎‏ before the surgery and ‏‎4.4±5‎‎‏° after ‏the operation ‏‎ (‎P‎<‎‏0.001‏‎). ‎The Mean±SD preoperative patellar shift was ‏‎3.3±4.3‎‏ mm which improved to ‏‎-‎‎0.2±2.8°‎‏ after the surgery ‏‎(‎P‎<‎‏0.001‏‎). ‎The Mean±SD Kujala score of the patients was ‏‎74.6±7.1‎, ‎‏ ‏ranging ‎from 54 ‏to ‎‏89. ‎No complication was recorded during the follow‎-‎up period.
Conclusion: Partial lateral facetectomy of the patella provides an acceptable radiographic and ‎functional outcome in patients undergoing primary TKA. Therefore, it could be regarded as a ‎valuable alternative to lateral release in unresurfaced patellar-retaining TKA.‎