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

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