Research Article

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Oriented PLGA/ACECM Composite Scaffolds Enhance Structure-Specific Regeneration of Hyaline Cartilage in a Rabbit Model

Table 2

International Cartilage Repair Society Macroscopic Evaluation of Cartilage Repair.

Cartilage repair assessment ICRSPoints

Degree of defect repair
 In level with surrounding cartilage4
 75% repair of defect depth3
 50% repair of defect depth2
 25% repair of defect depth1
 0% repair of defect depth0
Integration to border zone
 Complete integration with surrounding cartilage4
 Demarcating border < 1 mm3
 3/4th of graft integrated, 1/4th with a notable border > 1 mm width2
 1/2 of graft integrated with surrounding cartilage, 1/2 with a notable border > 1 mm1
 From no contact to 1/4th of graft integrated with surrounding cartilage0
Macroscopic appearance
 Intact smooth surface4
 Fibrillated surface3
 Small, scattered fissures or cracks2
 Several small or few but large fissures1
 Total degeneration of grafted area0
Overall repair assessment
 Grade I: normal12
 Grade II: nearly normal11–8
 Grade III: abnormal7–4
 Grade IV: severely abnormal3–1

ICRS: International Cartilage Repair Society.