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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Painful shoulder, injury, limited range of movement
Painful or stiff joint, swelling, injury
Pain and stiffness, injury, swelling
Abnormal lumps or growths
Hip or groin pain, stiffness, reduced range of movement, swelling
Knee pain, swelling
Pain, swelling, injury
£130
£240
£350
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.
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.