Table 1.
Modified criteria for the scaffold evaluation described by Bekkers et al. [23]. The assigned points are given in brackets.
| Outline attachment∗ | Area coverage | Scaffold integrity∗∗ | Endpoint fixation∗∗∗ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unchanged (5) | Unchanged (5) | Unchanged (5) | Cannot be detached (5) |
|
| |||
| <25% (4) | Shape deformities without structural damage (4) | Shape deformities or minor fissures that are unrelated to fixation (4) | Detached with intensive pull (4) |
|
| |||
| 25–50% (3) | Fissures or cracks without important substances loss (3) | Minor fissures or cracks close to the fixation site (3) | Detached with minor pull (3) |
|
| |||
| 50–75% (2) | <25% of scaffold lost (2) | Fissures or cracks endangering the fixation of the scaffold (2) | Detached with slight touch (2) |
|
| |||
| 75–100% (1) | 25–50% of scaffold lost (1) | Fissures or cracks endangering the fixation with surrounding scaffold disorganization (1) | Partial detachment (1) |
|
| |||
| 100% (0) | >50% of scaffold lost (0) | Fissures or cracks endangering the fixation with generalized scaffold disorganization (0) | Total detachment (0) |
∗% of full circumference that has lost contact with the surrounding cartilage rim.
∗∗% of total cartilage defect that is covered by scaffold.
∗∗∗The endpoint fixation was tested by a palpation hock manipulation after the motion cycles were completed.