Tendinitis and Tendinosis: which statement is correct?

• A. Tendinitis = inflammation; Tendinosis = degeneration without inflammation.
• B. Tendinitis = degeneration; Tendinosis = inflammation.
• C. Tendinosis relates to joint laxity.
• D. Both are inflammations

Answer: (A)

Distinguishing inflammatory tendon pathology from chronic degenerative changes is what this item tests. Tendinitis describes inflammation of the tendon, usually after acute overuse, with classic inflammatory signs and pain with movement. Tendinosis, on the other hand, is a chronic degeneration of tendon tissue—disorganized collagen, mucoid degeneration, and neovascularization—that typically occurs without an active inflammatory process. Thus, the statement that tendonitis is inflammation and tendinosis is degeneration without inflammation is the best description. This distinction matters for treatment: tendinitis-like presentations may benefit from strategies that address inflammation early on, while tendinosis relies more on loading and remodeling of the tendon rather than anti-inflammatory measures. The other ideas either imply degeneration with inflammation, link tendinosis to joint laxity, or claim both are inflammations, which does not fit the standard understanding.