Musculoskeletal ultrasound can assess selected tendons, bursae, fluid collections, superficial lumps and other soft-tissue structures. The right examination depends on the injured area, symptom pattern and clinical question.
Use the examination finder to search the currently listed scan options by symptom, body area or preparation need. The clinic team should confirm the most appropriate examination, preparation and booking pathway before an appointment is made.
An ultrasound scan answers a specific imaging question. It does not replace emergency assessment, urgent maternity care, urgent breast assessment or a wider clinical review where those are needed.
Examination finder
Find the right ultrasound scan
Search by scan category, body area, clinical intent, symptom or preparation need. If you are unsure, book a GP consultation and we will guide you.
Diagnostic ultrasound · Musculoskeletal · New
Shoulder Ultrasound
shoulder pain · rotator cuff · bursitis
Intent: Symptom assessment
No special preparationBook this scanDiagnostic ultrasound · Musculoskeletal · New
Knee Ultrasound
knee pain · swelling · Baker's cyst
Intent: Symptom assessment
No special preparationBook this scanDiagnostic ultrasound · Musculoskeletal · New
Wrist Ultrasound
wrist pain · ganglion · carpal tunnel
Intent: Symptom assessment
No special preparationBook this scanDiagnostic ultrasound · Musculoskeletal · New
Hand Ultrasound
hand pain · finger tendon · hand lump
Intent: Symptom assessment
No special preparationBook this scanDiagnostic ultrasound · Musculoskeletal · New
Elbow Ultrasound
tennis elbow · golfer's elbow · elbow pain
Intent: Symptom assessment
No special preparationBook this scan
Written & reviewed by
Victoria Medical Ultrasound Pathway TeamPatient information subject to ultrasound and clinical pathway review · Reviewed by Dr George Xynopoulos, Consultant Physician & Cardiologist · GMC 3502763
Clinical review date: 22 August 2026
View full profileHow to choose the appropriate examination
The best scan depends on the body area, symptoms, pregnancy status, prior results and the clinical question. If you are unsure, start with a private GP or speak to the clinic team before booking.
| Concern or starting point | Possible route | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder pain, tendon concern or limited movement | Shoulder ultrasound pathway | A scan may assess selected soft tissues, but not every cause of shoulder pain. |
| Knee swelling, suspected Baker’s cyst or tendon-related concern | Knee ultrasound pathway | Significant trauma, deformity or inability to bear weight can need urgent review. |
| Wrist or hand pain, a ganglion or superficial swelling | Wrist and hand ultrasound pathway | Loss of circulation, sensation or a severe injury needs urgent assessment. |
| Outer or inner elbow tendon-type pain | Elbow ultrasound pathway | Severe injury, a cold hand or marked weakness needs urgent assessment. |
| Lateral hip tendon or bursa concern | Hip ultrasound pathway | Inability to bear weight or severe pain after injury needs urgent review. |
| Ankle, heel or Achilles concern | Ankle and foot ultrasound pathway | A deformity, numb foot or inability to bear weight needs urgent assessment. |
Preparation and appointment planning
MSK ultrasound usually needs no fasting or bladder preparation. Wear clothing that gives comfortable access to the relevant joint or body area, and bring previous reports if you have them.
Preparation varies by examination. Confirm the current instructions with the clinic when booking, and bring relevant referral letters, previous reports or test results where available.
When to use an urgent pathway instead
A hot swollen joint with fever, a visible deformity after injury, new loss of circulation or sensation, or severe rapidly worsening pain needs urgent clinical assessment rather than routine scanning.
A routine private scan should never delay emergency or specialist urgent assessment. If you are unsure how urgent a symptom is, use NHS 111 or the appropriate emergency service.
Currently listed examinations in this category
These direct pages provide examination-specific preparation and booking guidance. Further pages are added only after the exact bookable protocol and clinical pathway are confirmed.
Shoulder Ultrasound
Dynamic soft-tissue assessment for an appropriate shoulder question.
Hand Ultrasound
Focused imaging for appropriate hand tendon, pulley, ganglion or superficial-lump questions.
Wrist Ultrasound
Targeted imaging for wrist tendon, ganglion and superficial soft-tissue concerns.
Knee Ultrasound
Focused imaging for suitable knee swelling, cyst or tendon concerns.
Elbow Ultrasound
Focused soft-tissue imaging for appropriate elbow tendon, ligament or superficial-structure questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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