After µ-CT assessment, dehydrated samples were embedded in methylmetacrylate resin and 9 µm slices were obtained. Analysis included TRAP staining for osteoclasts as multinucleated TRAP+cells on the bone counter-stained with Anilin blue. Goldner trichrome stained non-mineralized, osteoid tissue in red with Fuchsine, and mineralized bone in green with Light green. Safranin.O.–Fast green staining was used to analyse cartilage integrity.