Breakdown of the four groups of parameters used for the scoring system
AF, annulus fibrosus; NP, nucleus pulposus. | |
Loss of demarcation between NP and AF | |
0 | Clear demarcation |
1 | Limited loss of demarcation |
2 | Substantial loss of demarcation |
3 | Complete loss of demarcation |
Loss of proteoglycan from NP | |
0 | No loss of haematoxophilia |
1 | Limited loss of haematoxophilia |
2 | Substantial loss of haematoxophilia |
3 | Complete loss of haematoxophilia |
Presence and extent of fissures | |
0 | No fissures |
1 | Fissures present within NP |
2 | Fissures extending to junction of NP and AF |
3 | Fissures extending to within AF |
Cell cluster formation | |
0 | No cell clusters |
1 | Less than 25% of cells formed into clusters |
2 | 25–75% of cells formed into clusters |
3 | Over 75% of cells formed into clusters |