A new approach to the pathology, clinical features and treatment of stress tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon.

On the basis of clinical, anatomical, surgical, histological and pathological investigations, the authors propose a classification of the tendinopathies of the Achilles tendon associated with stress. These are particularly common in the field of sport. Three syndromes are identified: a) pure peritendinitis; b) peritendinitis associated with tendinosis; c) pure tendinosis. The symptoms and possible complications are described and the problem of treatment is discussed. In pure peritendinitis tenolysis is recommended, but in peritendinitis associated with tendinosis it should be combined with extensive scarification of the tendon in order to promote revitalisation.