RegenRepair™ · Tendon pathway
NanoATi
Autologous Tendon Injection
A tendon-specific Seed, Soil, Signal pathway that combines image-guided biological treatment with the progressive loading needed to rebuild tendon capacity.
Reviewed byProfessor Paul Lee MBBch, FRCS (Tr & Orth), PhDCartilage and joint preservation expertiseQuick answer
NanoATi targets tendon biology and capacity. It may suit selected tendinopathy, intrasubstance degeneration and partial-thickness damage where tendon continuity remains. A complete or retracted rupture is a different structural problem and may need surgery.
NanoATi—also written Nano ATi—means a non-arthroscopic, needle-delivered, one-stage autologous tendon injection technique.
Verified across three networks
Trusted by patients on Doctify, Google and Top Doctors
Identify the structural problem
Painful tendon is not one condition
The same symptom can come from reactive overload, chronic degeneration, a partial tear or complete failure. The pathway depends on which pattern is present.
RegenRepair for tendon
Biology placed where tendon fibres need support
The Seed is an autologous fibroblast-rich micrograft preparation made on the day from a small hair-follicle-bearing tissue sample. An injectable type-I collagen scaffold provides the Soil and platelet-rich fibrin provides the autologous Signal.
A staged pathway
Diagnose precisely, deliver precisely, reload deliberately
Tendon capacity
Recovery is measured by load, not the calendar alone
A shoulder tendon must tolerate reaching and lifting; an Achilles tendon must store and release energy during gait and running. Rehabilitation therefore progresses towards the real task the tendon needs to perform, using symptoms, strength and function to guide each step.
The goal is not permanent rest. It is a controlled return to useful force.
Questions assessment answers
- Is the tendon continuous or mechanically failed?
- Where is the abnormal tissue on ultrasound or MRI?
- What load currently provokes symptoms?
- What strength and task must the tendon regain?
When injection is not enough
Complete rupture, marked retraction, tendon detachment from bone, major weakness or another structural lesion may need surgical reconstruction. A biological injection cannot substitute for reattaching tissue that is no longer connected.
Explore treatment optionsRegenRepair™ · Seed, Soil, Signal
Choose the tissue, then understand the pathway
The biological design is shared. The target, delivery plan and rehabilitation change with the structure being treated.
Cartilage damage
NanoACi
A one-stage, image-guided cartilage regeneration technique built around cartilage micrografts, collagen soil and a patient-derived signal.
Explore NanoACi
Stable meniscus damage
NanoAMi
A non-surgical pathway using autologous fibroblast-rich micrografts for suitable stable partial-thickness tears, intrasubstance damage and wear.
Explore NanoAMi
Tendon damage
Current pageNanoATi
A tendon-specific pathway using autologous fibroblast-rich micrografts, image-guided targeting and progressive mechanical rehabilitation.
Explore NanoATi
Selected ligament damage
NanoALi
A non-surgical ligament pathway for selected partial or healing injuries where useful continuity and joint stability remain.
Explore NanoALi
NanoATi questions
What is NanoATi?
NanoATi is the tendon-specific application of Professor Paul Lee's RegenRepair Seed, Soil, Signal framework. Its Seed is an autologous fibroblast-rich micrograft preparation, combined with a supporting scaffold, precise image-guided delivery and a progressive loading plan.
What is the Seed in NanoATi?
The Seed is prepared on the day from a small hair-follicle-bearing tissue sample. The fibroblast-rich micrograft rationale reflects the fibroblast family to which tenocytes belong, while avoiding a second injury to the tendon being treated.
Which tendon problems may be considered?
Selected tendinopathy, intrasubstance degeneration and partial-thickness tendon damage may be considered when there is viable tendon continuity. The diagnosis, tendon, tear depth, strength and mechanical demand all affect suitability.
Can NanoATi repair a completely ruptured tendon?
It cannot reattach a tendon that has completely ruptured or pulled away from bone. Complete rupture, marked retraction or major functional weakness may need surgical repair. NanoATi is considered only after the structural problem has been accurately defined.
Why is ultrasound guidance important?
Tendons are compact, layered structures and abnormal tissue can sit beside healthy fibres. Ultrasound guidance helps Professor Lee identify the target and place treatment precisely while avoiding nearby nerves, vessels and intact tendon where possible.
Why does tendon rehabilitation involve loading?
Tendons adapt to mechanical demand. Too much load too early can aggravate the tissue, while too little load can leave it underprepared. Rehabilitation therefore progresses from protection through controlled strength to task- or sport-specific demand.
Still have more specific concerns?
Free Discovery CallOptions that our doctors may discuss include NanoACi, ChondroFiller, Mytocel MSK, joint replacement, established conservative care or surgery, depending on examination and imaging.
Define the tendon problem before choosing treatment
Clinical examination, ultrasound and MRI where needed establish whether the tendon is overloaded, degenerative, partially torn or mechanically ruptured.