Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound 

At Contact Health only experienced and fully qualified sonographers perform our musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound examinations. They have many years of experience and are overseen and supported by our principal MSK sonographer who has worked in the NHS for more than 10 years. 

We obtain advice from our consultant MSK radiologists when required.  

What is MSK Ultrasound? 

Ultrasound is a safe and painless scanning technology that uses sound waves to obtain images of the inside of your body. MSK ultrasound scanning allows for detailed examination of the tendons, ligaments and muscles around bones and joints, although it is not always possible to obtain images of the inside of a joint space. MSK ultrasound is a very useful tool for diagnosing common conditions like joint inflammation, tendonitis and tendon tears.

Do I need a referral? 

No, you don’t.  While some patients are referred by their specialist for MSK ultrasound as a diagnostic tool, it is not a requirement — you can self-refer for a scan. Booking an ultrasound scan is simple and straightforward: just complete a brief referral form using the link below. Your clinical details will be checked by one of our specialist sonographers to ensure a diagnostic ultrasound scan is appropriate for you. We will contact you to arrange your appointment.

What areas of the body and types of pain can be diagnosed using ultrasound?

Click on the area of pain in the body image to read about how MSK ultrasound can help you.

Shoulder / upper arm
Common symptoms: injured or painful shoulder; limited range of movement

Structures we can assess with Ultrasound include the tendons, ligaments, subacromial bursa, acromioclavicular joint, joint space for effusion and signs of impingement.

Common findings: inflamed tendons (tendinopathy/tendonitis); tendon tear; bursitis

Lumps and bumps
Common symptoms: superficial soft tissue lump or swelling

We can assess superficial soft tissue lumps with Ultrasound, providing reassurance and any follow up or further imaging advice needed.

Common findings: Ganglia; Lipoma; Epidermoid cysts

Elbow / forearm
Common symptoms: injured, painful or stiff joint; swelling

Structures we can assess with Ultrasound include the elbow joint, tendons, and bursae.

Common findings: inflamed tendons (tendinopathy/tendonitis); tennis and golfer’s elbow; joint inflammation; bursitis

Hip / groin
Common symptoms: pain; stiffness; reduced range of movement

Structures we can assess with Ultrasound include the hip joint, tendons, and greater trochanteric bursa, and to assess for hernia if clinically relevant.

Common findings: hip joint effusion; inflamed tendons (tendinopathy/tendonitis); bursitis; hernia

Hand / wrist
Common symptoms: pain and stiffness; injury; swelling

Structures we can assess with Ultrasound include the wrist and hand joints, extensor and flexor tendons, Ulnar collateral ligament, median nerve, pulleys and the palmar fascia.

Common findings: inflamed tendons (tendinopathy/tendonitis); joint inflammation; ganglion cysts; tendon tear

Knee / leg
Common symptoms: pain; swelling; instability

Structures we can assess with Ultrasound include the knee joint, quadriceps and patellar tendons, medial and lateral collateral ligaments, the pes anserine bursa, the lateral and medial menisci for cysts, and the popliteal fossa. Please note that the popliteal vessels will be assessed but this is not a formal vascular or DVT scan.

Common findings: inflamed tendons (tendinopathy/tendonitis); knee joint effusion; meniscal cyst; Baker’s cyst

Foot / ankle
Common symptoms: foot, ankle or heel pain; swelling; injury

Structures we can assess with Ultrasound include the ankle joint, tendons, ligaments, foot joints and tendons, plantar fascia, webspace’s for Morton’s neuroma and Achilles tendon.

Common findings: joint inflammation; inflamed tendons (tendinopathy/tendonitis); tendon tear; plantar fasciitis; Achilles tendonitis

What happens?

The test will be carried out by an experienced and fully qualified Advanced Practitioner Sonographer, who will fully assess the area and relevant structures as clinically indicated by the referral/self-referral. They may ask you further questions about your clinical history during the examination to ensure that a comprehensive and relevant examination is performed. Please wear suitable clothing that allows the sonographer to easily scan the affected area. Gowns are provided if you require one. A gel is applied to the area to be scanned, which allows the scanner to move easily over the surface of your skin. The scan takes approximately 10 – 20 minutes, depending on the area. 

Diagnostic Tests

Shoulder

Painful shoulder, injury, limited range of movement

Elbow

Painful or stiff joint, swelling, injury

Hand / Wrist

Pain and stiffness, injury, swelling

Lumps & Bumps

Abnormal lumps or growths 

Hip / Groin

Hip or groin pain, stiffness, reduced range of movement, swelling

Knee 

Knee pain, swelling

Foot / Ankle

Pain, swelling, injury 

Prices for Self-Funded Referrals

Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound from £130 

The fees include the ultrasound scan/s and the Specialist Sonographer’s report.

1 Area

£130

2 Areas

£240

3 Areas

£350

Getting your report

Once you have had your examination, your report will be sent to both you and your referrer securely. If you have self-referred, a copy of the report will also be sent to your General Practitioner.  This is usually sent within 24 – 48 hours unless a second opinion is required in which case you will be informed of this, and the short wait time involved.  

Management 

For some conditions our sonographers may be able to signpost you for potential onward management, such as podiatrists, chiropractors, and physiotherapists. Should specialist referral or further imaging be required, this will be documented in your report and should be discussed with your referrer or GP. 

Take control of your healthcare by arranging rapid diagnostic tests.