Median macroscopic and microscopic scores (± median absolute deviation) for groove and sham joints at week 10.

* Significant difference between groove joints and sham joints (P < 0.05).
† Significant differences between dorsal and palmar for the groove joints and sham joints (P < 0.05).
Chondrocyte necrosis = chondrocyte-free areas or empty chondrocyte lacunae, or focal cell loss.
Chondrocyte clusters = complex chondrone formation.
Cartilage matrix softening = cartilage matrix appeared more or less pale and loose, visible in all stains used.
Osteoblastic margination = basophilic osteoblastic cells aligned at the border of subchondral bone cavities.
Vertical grooves = surgically induced grooves crossing the entire thickness of the non-calcified cartilage extending to the junction with calcified cartilage.
Horizontal cracking = cracks at the junction of the non-calcified and calcified cartilage.
Median macroscopic and microscopic scores (± median absolute deviation) for groove and sham joints at week 10.