What is an MSK ultrasound?

A musculoskeletal ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and other soft tissues. It is non-invasive, painless and does not use ionising radiation, with findings available during the appointment.

Why choose an ultrasound at GB Clinics?

Instant results: The scan can support diagnosis during the appointment.
Precise targeting: Real-time imaging helps clinicians identify injury or inflammation accurately.
Ultrasound-guided injections: Imaging can guide treatment to the intended joint or soft-tissue structure.
No ionising radiation: Ultrasound can be used for repeated assessments when clinically appropriate.

Conditions we scan

Musculoskeletal ultrasound can assess many common shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle and foot conditions.

Shoulder ultrasound scans

Rotator cuff tears: Detects tendon tears or degeneration that may cause shoulder weakness.
Shoulder bursitis: Identifies fluid and inflammation in the shoulder bursa.
Impingement syndrome: Shows tendon or bursa compression beneath the shoulder blade.
Labral tears: Assesses cartilage damage that may cause instability.
Biceps tendon rupture: Identifies partial or complete biceps tendon tears.
Dislocations and subluxations: Assesses shoulder alignment and associated soft-tissue damage.
Calcific tendonitis: Shows calcium build-up in the rotator cuff tendons.

Elbow ultrasound scans

Tennis elbow: Assesses an overuse injury affecting the outer elbow and extensor tendons.
Golfer's elbow: Assesses inflammation or small tears in the inner elbow tendons.
Olecranon bursitis: Identifies swelling in the fluid-filled sac at the elbow.
Ulnar nerve entrapment: Detects nerve compression or swelling.
Tendon tears: Shows tendon degeneration or injury around the elbow.
Ligament injuries: Evaluates ligament thickening or tears.
Cysts and masses: Identifies ganglion cysts and other soft-tissue lumps.

Wrist and hand ultrasound scans

Carpal tunnel syndrome: Detects swelling or compression of the median nerve.
De Quervain's tenosynovitis: Assesses inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
Trigger finger: Shows thickened or restricted tendons in the fingers.
Tendon tears and tendinopathy: Assesses tendon injury or degeneration in the hand and wrist.
Wrist joint effusion: Identifies fluid within the wrist joint.
Ganglion cysts: Detects fluid-filled or solid masses.
Dupuytren's contracture: Assesses tissue thickening in the palm.

Hip ultrasound scans

Hip bursitis: Assesses inflammation in the fluid-filled sacs around the hip.
Gluteal tendinopathy: Identifies degeneration of the gluteal tendons.
Labral tears: Assesses cartilage damage around the hip socket.
Iliopsoas tendinopathy: Shows inflammation affecting the tendon in the groin area.
Hamstring tendinopathy: Identifies injuries affecting the upper hamstring.
Piriformis syndrome: Assesses structures associated with sciatic nerve compression in the buttock.
Iliotibial band syndrome: Shows thickening or irritation of the iliotibial band.

Knee ultrasound scans

Osteoarthritis: Assesses cartilage wear and other joint changes.
Meniscal tears: Identifies damage affecting the knee cartilage.
Ligament sprains: Evaluates the ACL, MCL and other ligament injuries where visible on ultrasound.
Patellar tendonitis: Assesses inflammation below the kneecap.
Muscle contusions: Shows internal bruising or bleeding.
Joint effusion: Identifies fluid build-up in the knee.
Hamstring strains: Shows the location and extent of a muscle tear.

Ankle and foot ultrasound scans

Tendon injuries: Detects Achilles tendinitis and tendon tears.
Ligament sprains: Evaluates sprains and tears affecting ankle ligaments.
Plantar fasciitis: Shows inflammation and thickening of the plantar fascia.
Plantar plate injury: Assesses forefoot pain associated with tears or thinning.
Ganglion cysts: Identifies the position and size of a cyst.
Morton's neuroma: Identifies thickened nerves between the toes.
Bursitis: Assesses inflammation around foot and ankle joints.
Nerve injuries: Identifies possible nerve entrapment or damage.

Diagnostic MSK Ultrasound