| CEX-μCT | contrast enhanced X-ray micro computed tomography |
| PBS | phosphate-balanced saline |
| P | posterior |
| A | anterior |
| MCT | medial cartilage of tibial plateau |
| LCT | lateral cartilage of tibial plateau |
| MMx | medial meniscectomy |
| KOA | knee osteoarthritis |
| qPCR | real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction |