Table 2 Histological and immunohistochemical scoring system used to grade tendon repair in equines

Shape of tendon cells

1 = Linear (normal)

2 = Slightly oval

3 = Moderately round

4 = Predominantly round

Density of tendon cells

1 = Sparse (normal)

2 = Slightly increased

3 = Moderately increased

4 = Cell layers

Hemorrhage

1 = Absent (normal)

2 = Sparse or uneven

3 = Multiple areas

4 = Predominantly hemorrhagic

Number of vessels

1 = Normal

2 = Slightly increased

3 = Moderately increased

4 = Severely increased

Inflammatory cell infiltrate

1 = Normal

2 = Slightly increased

3 = Moderately increased

4 = Severely increased

Linearity of collagen fibers

1 = Linear

2 = >50% linear

3 = 20% to 50% linear

4 = Absence of linear areas

Uniformity of collagen fibers

1 = Uniformity of the diameter of all fibers

2 = > 50% of the fibers are uniform

3 = 20% to 50% of the fibers are linear

4 = Complete disorder of the fibers

Collagen type III*

1 = < 10% type III

2 = 10% to 50% type III

3 = > 50% a 90% type III

4 = > 90% type III

Factor VIII*

1 = Average labeling of cells, no recognition of the vascular structure

2 = Labeling of a few small vessels

3 = Labeling of several small vessels or greater vessels

4 = Labeling of several great vessels