Nanofracture cartilage surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat small areas of cartilage damage in the knee joint. The procedure is typically used to treat cartilage defects or injuries that have not responded to other treatments, such as physical therapy or medications.

During nanofracture cartilage surgery, the surgeon will make a small incision in the knee and use specialized instruments to create tiny holes in the underlying bone, much smaller than in microfracture. The holes are typically spaced about 3-4 millimeters apart and are designed to create a series of small fractures in the bone, which stimulate the body’s natural healing response.

The goal of nanofracture cartilage surgery is to promote the growth of new cartilage cells in the damaged area. The procedure is often performed in combination with other treatments, such as physical therapy or injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cells, to help promote healing and improve the overall function of the knee joint.