ICRS GRADE OF CARTILAGE LESIONS
Degenerative cartilage lesions are more common than traumatic.
Plain films are insensitive to early disease and MRI has evolved into a sophisticated method of detection.
A variety of classifications have been described.
The oldest, Outerbridge, is probably too simple.
The ICRS score combines simplicity with usefulness.
In addition to the score, the location of the lesion is described in thirds in both the sagittal and coronal planes (separately for both the medial and lateral femoral condyle).
Degenerative cartilage lesions are more common than traumatic.

GRADING
      • 1 Mild signal changes only
      • 2 Defect less than 50% thickness
      • 3 Defect down to subcondral plate - plate intact
      • 4 Loss of subchondral plate extension into bone

Report should include:

      • ICRS grading
      • Maximum size
      • Which surface
      • Location in thirds