Table 1 Gradation of the cartilage and synovial changes in non-calcified samples

Normal volume, smooth Surface, intact

0

Surface undulations. Superficial zone fissures

1

Middle zone fissures and/or superficial erosions

2

Deep zone fissures and/or erosion through mid zone

3

Full thickness loss of cartilage

4

Normal

0

Loos of superficial cells or relative increased density with occasional clusters

1

Small clusters (2–4 cells) predominate

2

Large clusters (up to 5 cells) predominate

3

Cell loss (necrosis/apoptosis) predominate

4

Normal

0

Decreased proteoglycan in the superficial zone

1

Decreased proteoglycan into the mid zone

2

Decreased proteoglycan into the deep zone

3

Full depth

4

Intact and distinct

0

Loss and/or duplication but distinct

1

Loss. Crossed by blood vessels

2

1-2 layers of cells

0

3-6 layers of cells

1

˃6 layers of cells

2

No hyperplasia

0

Short villi

1

Finger-like hyperplasia

2

No cellular infiltration

0

Mid to moderate inflammatory infiltration. Including small lymphoid follicles

1

Marked and diffuse inflammatory infiltration. Large lymphoid follicles.

2