BackgroundLiterature regarding the feasibility of inexperienced surgeons using needle arthroscopy is limited. The present study aimed to clarify the feasibility of performing ankle needle arthroscopy for inexperienced surgeons. MethodsDiagnostic needle arthroscopy was performed for 10 cadaveric ankles by two surgeons with different levels of experience in ankle arthroscopy (inexperienced and expert surgeons). The visibility of arthroscopy was assessed based on a 15-point checklist and compared between surgeons. In addition, iatrogenic articular cartilage injury created by the inexperienced surgeon was investigated. ResultsThe number of visible points was significantly larger for the expert surgeon than for the inexperienced surgeon (14.1 ± 1.0 vs. 13.7 ± 1.0, P = 0.035). The location of cartilage injury was greatest on the medial talar dome when viewing from the anteromedial portal at a rate of 30%. ConclusionAnkle needle arthroscopy may be an option for surgeons in the future, however, differences in surgeon experience may impact effective visualization.