Objective To review the progress in the prevention and repair of patellar ligament injury in total knee arthroplasty. Methods Recent literature about the prevention and repair of patellar ligament injury in total knee arthroplasty was reviewed and analyzed. Results Increased exposure can prevent the patellar ligament injury, and treatments of acute patellar ligament rupture can be obtained by simple repair, reconstruction with allograft materials or artificial materials, and auxiliary strengthening. Conclusion Patellar ligament injury in total knee arthroplasty should not be ignored. Active prevention and repair of patellar ligament injury can obtain better function of knee joint.