Fig. 3

Representative HE staining and the histological score of the repaired menisci. A, B Control group at 2 weeks, score = 0; original magnification: A 4 × 10, B 10 × 10. C, D autogenous meniscal fragments (AMF) group at 2 weeks, score = 1; original magnification: C 4 × 10, D 10 × 10. E, F Control group at 4 weeks, score = 1; original magnification: E 4 × 10, F 10 × 10. G, H autogenous meniscal fragments (AMF) group at 4 weeks, score = 2; original magnification: G 4 × 10, H 10 × 10. I, J Control group at 8 weeks, score = 1; original magnification: I 4 × 10, J 10 × 10. K, L autogenous meniscal fragments (AMF) group at 8 weeks, score = 3; original magnification: K 4 × 10, L 10 × 10. M, N Control group at 12 weeks, score = 1; original magnification: M 4 × 10, N 10 × 10. O, P autogenous meniscal fragments (AMF) group at 12 weeks, score = 3; original magnification: O 4 × 10, P 10 × 10. Q Fusiform, polygonal immature fibrocartilage-like cells are seen at 4 weeks in the autogenous meniscal fragments (AMF) group; original magnification: 20 × 10. R Dense large round, elliptical cartilage-like cells are seen at 8 weeks in the autogenous meniscal fragments (AMF) group; original magnification: 20 × 10. S Mature fibrocartilage-like cells have healed the defect at 12 weeks in the autogenous meniscal fragments (AMF) group; original magnification: 20 × 10. T Chondrocyte lacuna can be found in the regenerative tissues at 12 weeks in the autogenous meniscal fragments (AMF) group; original magnification: 20 × 10. U Histological score of the repaired menisci. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001, compared with the control group