Elbow ultrasound scan
Elbow pain, stiffness or swelling can make everyday movement frustrating. An ultrasound gives a clear picture of the soft tissues around the joint.
- Price
- £300 one side£450 both sides · £50 deposit
- Appointment
- 20 to 30 minutesIncluding consultation · scan about 15 minutes
- Preparation
- None needed
- Report
- Usually within 24 hours
Who it's for
When a scan can help
This scan is for anyone whose elbow hurts, feels swollen or is not moving as it should, including long-standing pain and pain after injury.
What it shows
The scan checks for
- Tendon tears or inflammation
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow
- Joint fluid and inflammation (effusion and synovitis)
- Bicipital or olecranon bursitis
- Ligament injury
- Signs of arthritis (osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis)
- Nerve irritation or compression
- Muscle injury
What to expect
Your appointment
Before
No preparation is needed.
During
You’ll sit or lie down with your arm supported. A clear gel is applied to your skin. The specialist moves a small handheld probe over the elbow to capture images. It’s painless and takes around 15 minutes.
After
You can return to your day straight afterwards. Your consultant explains what they have seen before you leave.
Who reads your scan
Consultant radiologists, specialists in this area
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.
Frequently asked questions
When should I get an ultrasound scan for my elbow?
If your elbow hurts, feels swollen, or isn’t moving as it should, an ultrasound can help. It gives a clear view of soft tissue problems and helps guide treatment. It’s also helpful for long-standing elbow pain or after injury.
Sometimes further imaging such as MRI is necessary to assess the internal structures of the elbow. Our specialists can decide whether further imaging is necessary and can arrange this for you at the time of the appointment.
What symptoms are linked to elbow problems?
- Pain when lifting or gripping
- Swelling or warmth around the joint
- Stiffness or reduced movement
- Pain that worsens with activity
- A lump or bump near the elbow
- Weakness in the arm
When should I see a doctor?
Get medical advice if the pain doesn’t improve, affects your daily tasks, or gets worse. Also speak to a doctor if you notice a lump, your range of motion is reduced, or the joint feels unstable.
Is it 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.
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.