Table 2.

ICRS (International Cartilage Research Society) Visual Histological Assessment Scale.

Feature	Points
Surface Smooth/continuous Discontinuities/irregularities	3 0
Matrix Hyalin mixture: hyaline/fibrocartilage Fibrocartilage Fibrous tissue	3 2 1 0
Cell distribution Columnar Mixed/columnar-clusters Clusters Individual cells/disorganized	3 2 1 0
Cell population viability Predominantly viable Partially viable <10% viable	3 1 0
Subchondral bone Normal Increased remodelling Bone necrosis/granulation tissue Detached/fracture/callus at base	3 2 1 0
Cartilage mineralization (calcified cartilage) Normal Abnormal/inappropriate location	3 0