Table 2 Least square means ± standard error of histological scores compared throughout all considered periods

total histological score

36.33 ± 1.1

30.41 ± 1.1

< 0.001

filling of defect

1.65 ± 0.1

1.22 ± 0.1

< 0.05

cartilage

6.75 ± 0.4

5.20 ± 0.4

< 0.05

matrix

5.83 ± 0.4

4.46 ± 0.4

< 0.05

bone

4.57 ± 0.2

3.90 ± 0.2

< 0.05

edges

1.81 ± 0.2

1.13 ± 0.2

< 0.05

degeneration

10.86 ± 0.2

10.61 ± 0.2

n.s.^‡

vascularity

4.86 ± 0.5

3.89 ± 0.5

n.s.^‡