Microfracture apparatuses and methods

An apparatus comprising:

• a cannula having a first end, a second end, and a channel extending between the first end and the second end, the cannula having a primary portion and a distal portion between the primary portion and the second end, the distal portion configured such that a second end of the channel is disposed at an angle relative to a first end of the channel;
• a penetrator having an enlarged head, a pointed distal end, and a first transverse dimension, the penetrator configured to be disposed in the channel of the cannula such that the penetrator is movable between a retracted position and an extended position in which the distal end extends beyond the second end of the cannula by a penetration distance that is limited by the enlarged head contacting the cannula;
• where the penetration distance is at least 5 times greater than the first transverse dimension;
• where the penetrator is axially movable between the retracted position and the extended position substantially without rotation of the penetrator to form in subchondral bone a microfracture having a depth that is limited by the penetration distance.

A method of forming a microfracture in subchondral bone of a patient, the method comprising:

• disposing a microfracture apparatus adjacent to the subchondral bone, the microfracture apparatus comprising:
• a cannula having a first end, a second end, and a channel extending between the first end and the second end;
• a penetrator having a distal end and a transverse dimension;
• advancing the penetrator relative to the cannula, substantially without rotation of the penetrator, until the distal end of the penetrator extends into the subchondral bone to form a microfracture having a penetration depth that is at least 5 times greater than the transverse dimension of the penetrator.