Ankle cartilage restoration is typically a minimally invasive procedure. Cartilage lines the surface of articulating bones (bones which create joints). Cartilage is incredible by facilitating joint movement, but it does not have the ability to heal. Ankle cartilage restoration encompasses numerous procedures, one of them frequently being deliberate microfractures. A surgeon will remove injured cartilage and drill small holes in the ankle bones. Generally, damaged cartilage is observed at the distal (further) end of the tibia (shin bone) or the talus (ankle bone). This is typically done as an arthroscopic surgery that requires a small incision and arthroscope (camera) to minimize muscle loss and damage. This will stimulate additional cartilage growth as new blood vessels form in the region. Once the surgeon examines the ankle joint space, they may also treat for damaged ligaments, tendons and other components of the ankle joint that may be responsible for the patient’s prognosis.