ObjectiveTo review the research progress of intra-articular targeted delivery of nanomaterials in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). MethodsThe domestic and foreign related literature on intra-articular targeted delivery of nanomaterials for the treatment of OA was extensively reviewed, and their targeting strategies were discussed and summarized. Results Rapid drug clearance from the joint remains a critical limitation in drug efficacy. Nanocarriers can not only significantly improve the residence profiles of drugs in the joint, but also achieve targeted delivery of drugs to specific joint tissues through active or passive targeting strategies. Conclusion With the continuous development of various emerging tissue- or cell-specific drugs, the targeted delivery of drugs with nanomaterials promise to realize the clinical translation of these drugs in the treatment of OA.