Table 3.
ICRS Visual Histological Assessment Scale, modified from the scale described by Mainil-Varlet et al. [41].
| Feature | Score |
|---|---|
| Surface | |
| Smooth/continuous | 3 |
| Discontinuous/irregular | 0 |
| Matrix | |
| Hyaline cartilage | 3 |
| Hyaline cartilage/fibrocartilage | 2 |
| Fibrocartilage | 1 |
| Fibrous tissue | 0 |
| Cell distribution | |
| Columnar | 3 |
| Columnar/clustery | 2 |
| Clustery | 1 |
| Individual cells/disorganized | 0 |
| Cell viability | |
| Predominantly viable | 3 |
| Partially viable | 1 |
| Less than 10% viable | 0 |
| Subchondral bone | |
| Normal | 3 |
| Increased remodeling | 2 |
| Bone necrosis/granulation tissue | 1 |
| Detached/fracture/callus at base | 0 |
| Cartilage mineralization (calcification) | |
| Normal | 3 |
| Abnormal/inappropriate location | 0 |