Table 1.

Evaluation of cartilage degeneration by modified Mankin scores.

Operation Group	2 Weeks		6 Weeks
	Modified Mankin Score	No. of Joints	Modified Mankin Score	No. of Joints
Sham	0.12 ± 0.33	28	0.08 ± 0.28	29
OA control	4.33 ± 1.32	9	6.89 ± 2.02 *	9
AE (5 μg/joint/week)	3.20 ± 2.30	10	4.20 ± 2.30 †	10
AE (50 μg/joint/week)	2.78 ± 1.09	9	3.10 ± 1.97 †	10

Statistical significance: Tukey’s multiple comparisons test. * p < 0.001 vs. same group at 2 weeks, ^† p < 0.001 vs. control OA group at 6 weeks.