Table 1.

Simplified scoring scale for HIF-1α, VEGF and NICD

Score	Criteria
	HIF-1α	VEGF	NICD
0	No positive expression	Fewer more than 50% of deep chondrocytes positive	No positive expression
1	Some, but fewer more than 50% of deep chondrocytes positive	50% or more of the deep chondrocytes positive	Fewer more than 50% of deep chondrocytes positive
2	50% or more of the deep chondrocytes positive	Positive chondrocytes in the deep and intermediate zones	50% or more of the deep chondrocytes positive
3	Positive chondrocytes in the deep and intermediate zones, even into the superficial zone	Positive chondrocytes in the deep, intermediate and superficial zones	Positive chondrocytes in the deep and intermediate zones