Nanofracture

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

Nanofracture is a procedure whereby a narrow 'pick' is used to make 9mm deep holes through the bone plate under the joint cartilage, with the purpose of encouraging blood and bone marrow cells to enter the area and help repair the defect.

NanofractureNanofracture 'picks' a hole that is deeper and narrower than microfracture.

Comparison of nanofracture with microfracture

The pick is smaller than the microfracture pick. A 'needling' technique may also be used, passing a needle into the bone via a cannulated nanofracture pick.