Tendinosis, in musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, refers to a chronic degenerative condition of a tendon, distinguished from acute inflammation (tendinitis). It involves collagen fiber disorientation, neovascularization, and cellular changes rather than inflammatory cells. This non-inflammatory process leads to pain, stiffness, and impaired function, commonly affecting areas like the Achilles, patellar, and rotator cuff tendons.
Accurate diagnosis via medical ultrasound is crucial. Sonographic features of tendinosis include tendon thickening, hypoechoic areas (darker appearance), loss of the normal fibrillar pattern, and often Doppler evidence of neovascularity. Understanding tendinosis is vital for effective MSK diagnosis and targeted treatment in clinical practice.
