The Noyes' Classification is a system for classifying via arthroscopy the degree of cartilage destruction in an arthritic joint.

Grade 1 cartilage damage

STAGE 1a

grade 4 cartilage damage

STAGE 2b

 

Noyes Classification

  •  0: Normal articular cartilage
  • 1a: Mild softening or discoloration of articular cartilage
  • 1b: Severe softening or discoloration of articular cartilage
  • 2a: Partial-thickness defect of <50% of the total thickness of articular cartilage
  • 2b: Partial-thickness defect of >50% of the total thickness of articular cartilage
  • 3a: Full-thickness articular cartilage defect with normal subchondral bone
  • 3b: Full-thickness articular cartilage defect with erosion of subchondral bone

 

A classification like this is really a 'shorthand' for the doctor's notes, so that just a glance at past notes brings to mind an image of how far the arthritis had progressed when the note was made.

 

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Dr Sheila Strover (Editor)
BSc (Hons), MB BCh, MBA

See biography...