Knee ultrasound scan
Knee pain can stop you in your tracks. Whether it is a new injury or a long-standing problem, a knee ultrasound helps identify the cause.
- Price
- £300 one side£450 both sides · £50 deposit
- Appointment
- 20 to 30 minutesIncluding consultation · scan 15 to 20 minutes
- Preparation
- None needed
- Report
- Usually within 24 hours
Who it's for
When a scan can help
This scan is for anyone whose knee hurts, clicks or feels swollen, or who finds walking, bending or stairs difficult.
What it shows
The scan checks for
- Tendon or ligament injuries
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Baker’s cysts
- Joint fluid or inflammation (effusion or synovitis)
- Meniscal cysts
- Signs of arthritis (osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis)
- Post-surgical or post-injection follow-up
What to expect
Your appointment
Before
No preparation is needed.
During
You’ll lie down or sit. A support may be placed under the affected joint. The specialist will apply gel and use a small probe to scan the knee. They may ask you to move the joint during the scan. It usually takes 15 to 20 minutes and is painless.
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
Why have a knee ultrasound?
To investigate knee pain, swelling, clicking, or weakness. It can show soft tissue injuries, fluid, or inflammation that might not appear on an X-ray.
What symptoms are related to knee conditions?
- Pain when walking, running, or climbing
- Swelling or stiffness
- Clicking, locking, or catching
- Visible or hidden swelling
- Weakness or giving way
- Pain around the kneecap
When should I see a doctor?
If your knee pain lasts more than a few days, keeps coming back, or stops you from moving properly, it’s time to seek advice.
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.