A knee ultrasound assesses superficial tendons, fluid, bursae and cysts around the knee. It is commonly considered for pain, swelling, a suspected Baker’s cyst or tendon-related symptoms.
Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionising radiation to create real-time images. Your examination is selected around your symptoms, clinical history and the body area that needs assessment.
At Victoria Medical, the scan is performed through an appropriate clinical pathway. The sonographer will explain the practical steps, and you will receive clear information about reporting and any recommended follow-up.
Written & reviewed by
Victoria Medical Clinical Team
Specialist sonography and consultant-led clinical pathways
What a Knee Ultrasound Can Assess
The examination focuses on structures ultrasound can see well. Deeper joint structures, including some cartilage and cruciate-ligament problems, may require a different investigation.
| Area assessed | Why it may be examined |
|---|---|
| Joint fluid | Effusion or visible fluid collection |
| Tendons | Quadriceps and patellar tendon-related changes |
| Behind the knee | Baker’s cyst and other superficial changes |
| Bursae | Bursitis-related changes |
Preparation Before Your Appointment
No special preparation is needed. Please wear shorts, a skirt or loose trousers that can be moved above the knee.
Preparation summary: No special preparation — Wear clothing that allows easy access to the knee.
What Happens During the Scan
The knee is scanned from several positions. The sonographer may ask you to bend or straighten it gently to view the area from different angles.
- Bring any relevant referral letter, previous scan report or test result if you have one.
- Wear clothing that allows straightforward access to the area being examined.
- Tell the clinical team if you are unsure whether this is the right scan for your symptoms.
Results and Next Steps
The examination forms one part of your clinical assessment. Your report and the appropriate next step will depend on the scan findings, your symptoms and relevant history. We can help arrange GP, specialist or urgent-care follow-up where this is clinically appropriate.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
Seek urgent medical help for a hot, red and swollen knee with fever, inability to bear weight after significant injury, a deformed joint, or severe rapidly worsening pain.
Ultrasound is not a substitute for emergency assessment. If symptoms are severe, sudden, worsening or accompanied by fainting, breathing difficulty, fever, heavy bleeding or acute testicular pain, seek urgent medical help.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Check your preparation
Wear clothing that allows easy access to the knee.
Attend your appointment
Our clinic is at 170 Vauxhall Bridge Road, two minutes from Victoria Station.
Have your scan
The sonographer explains the examination and captures real-time images of the relevant area.
Understand next steps
You receive information about reporting and any clinically appropriate follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- [1]National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Diagnostic assessment and referral guidance relevant to ultrasound pathways.
- [2]Royal College of Radiologists. Standards for imaging services and patient communication.
- [3]British Medical Ultrasound Society. Professional guidance for safe, effective diagnostic ultrasound practice.
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