Muscle, tendon and joint scans
Aches and pains shouldn't go unanswered. Our consultant musculoskeletal radiologists scan the area, explain what they find and, where appropriate, treat it.
- Price
- £300 one side£450 both sides · £50 deposit
- Appointment
- 20 to 30 minutesIncluding consultation
- Preparation
- None needed
- Report
- Usually within 24 hours
What area do you need checked?
- ShoulderShoulder pain can stop you reaching, lifting or sleeping comfortably.
- ElbowElbow pain, stiffness or swelling can make everyday movement frustrating.
- Hand & wristHand and wrist pain can make writing, typing or gripping uncomfortable.
- KneeKnee pain can stop you in your tracks.
- CalfPain, swelling or a lump in your calf can affect your daily life.
- HipHip pain can affect how you walk, sleep and move through the day.
- Foot & anklePain, swelling or stiffness in the foot or ankle affects more than how you walk.
What we look for
Injury, inflammation and the cause of pain
- Muscle tears and strains. We assess muscle fibres for tears, strains or bleeding after injury, to help establish the severity and exact location of the damage.
- Tendon injuries. Ultrasound can show tendon degeneration or tears caused by overuse or acute injury. Because it is dynamic, the tendon can be examined while it moves.
- Inflammation. Swelling, fluid or increased blood flow in soft tissues, joints and tendons.
- Lumps and swelling. Whether a lump is fluid-filled, solid or related to inflammation.
Treatment
Diagnosis and treatment in one place
If your scan shows something that would benefit from an injection, your consultant can often carry it out under ultrasound guidance. Procedures include steroid and hyaluronic acid injections, hydrodistension, barbotage and cyst aspiration, from£550.
Who reads your scan
Consultant musculoskeletal radiologists
All of our appointments are with consultant musculoskeletal radiologists who hold posts at London NHS trusts.
Your report
Your consultant talks you through what the scan shows while you are still in the room.
A written report follows, usually within 24 hours. If anything needs a closer look, we can arrange MRI, CT, blood tests or a specialist referral. Sometimes MRI is needed to assess the structures inside a joint. Your consultant will tell you if so and can arrange it at your appointment.
More in this area
- Lumps and bumps (limbs)If you’ve noticed a lump, bump, or swelling under your skin, it’s important to understand what it is.
- DVT (arm or leg)Catch potential issues early for peace of mind.
- Nerve tracingWhen nerves are injured or compressed, they can cause pain, tingling, or weakness.
- MSK MRIMRI of joints, muscles and tendons.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral?
No.
Do I need to prepare?
No preparation is needed for a muscle, tendon or joint scan.
Can both sides be scanned?
Yes. One side is £300 and both sides are £450.
Is ultrasound safe?
Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and has no known side effects. A small amount of gel is applied to the skin and a handheld probe is moved gently over the area. You can return to your day straight afterwards.
What if I'm not sure what I need?
Book a consultation with a musculoskeletal consultant for £50. If you go on to have imaging or a procedure, the fee is put towards its cost.
Enquire or book
Tell us what you would like looked at and we will come back to you with times. You do not need a referral.