Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique used to assess muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. This dynamic scan provides real-time visuals, helping to diagnose injuries and conditions affecting movement and mobility.
MSK Ultrasound Scans
Our musculoskeletal ultrasound scans provide detailed imaging of joints, muscles and soft tissues, aiding in precise diagnosis and tailored treatment planning for a wide range of conditions.
Shoulder & Upper Arm Scan
Assesses rotator cuff injuries, tendon tears, and joint inflammation for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Elbow & Forearm Scan
Evaluates conditions such as tennis elbow, nerve compression, and soft tissue injuries affecting mobility and function.
Wrist & Hand Scan
Detects ligament injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and joint abnormalities to support effective treatment.
Hip & Thigh
Identifies issues such as bursitis, muscle tears, and hip impingement for targeted care.
Knee Scan
Examines ligament damage, meniscus tears, and joint effusion to aid in injury assessment and recovery.
Ankle & Foot Scan
Diagnoses tendonitis, ligament injuries, and plantar fasciitis to facilitate appropriate treatment.
Neck Ultrasound
Evaluates thyroid abnormalities, lymph nodes, and vascular structures for early detection of potential concerns.
Groin & Hernia Scan
Assesses suspected hernias, muscle strains, and soft tissue abnormalities to determine the need for further treatment or intervention.
Lumps & Bumps
Evaluates cysts, lipomas, and other soft tissue masses to differentiate between benign and concerning growths.
Overview of musculoskeletal ultrasound
A musculoskeletal ultrasound is a specialised scan offering a safe and effective evaluation of musculoskeletal structures. By using high-frequency sound waves, it produces detailed images of soft tissues, allowing specialists to identify inflammation, injuries or abnormalities. The procedure is widely used for assessing sports injuries, joint conditions and chronic pain issues. At The Forbury Clinic, our expert imaging specialists use advanced ultrasound technology to ensure accurate assessments and personalised care.
What is musculoskeletal ultrasound?
This type of ultrasound is used to assess soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. A trained sonographer applies gel to the skin and moves a handheld probe over the affected area, capturing real-time images. A musculoskeletal ultrasound is particularly effective for detecting inflammation, tears, fluid build-up and other musculoskeletal abnormalities, offering a clear view of structural issues within the body.
Why would you need a musculoskeletal ultrasound?
A musculoskeletal ultrasound may be necessary to investigate unexplained pain, swelling or reduced mobility in the muscles or joints. It helps diagnose conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis, ligament injuries and arthritis, providing essential information for treatment planning. Additionally, it is commonly used for guiding the precision of injections or treatments.
How does a musculoskeletal ultrasound work?
High-frequency sound waves are transmitted through a handheld probe, which captures images of the underlying tissues. As the sound waves bounce off different structures, a computer processes the returning signals to generate detailed visuals. The scan allows specialists to observe movement in real time, which is particularly beneficial for assessing joint function and detecting abnormalities during motion.
Is musculoskeletal ultrasound painful?
This imaging technique is completely non-invasive and does not cause pain. The ultrasound probe is gently moved over the skin, with a gel applied to enhance image clarity. In some cases, slight pressure may be felt if the scanned area is tender, but the procedure itself is entirely comfortable and pain-free.
How long does a musculoskeletal ultrasound take?
Most musculoskeletal ultrasound scans take between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the area being examined and the complexity of the condition. Patients typically receive their results promptly, with a specialist reviewing the images and discussing findings shortly after the scan.
What conditions can musculoskeletal ultrasound detect?
This scan is useful for diagnosing a range of conditions, including tendon and ligament injuries, joint inflammation, fluid build-up, muscle tears and nerve entrapments. It is particularly effective in detecting soft tissue abnormalities that may not be visible on traditional X-rays.
Is musculoskeletal ultrasound better than an x-ray or mri?
Musculoskeletal ultrasound provides real-time imaging, making it ideal for assessing soft tissue injuries, monitoring movement and guiding treatments. In contrast, X-rays are primarily used for detecting bone fractures, while MRI scans offer detailed images of deep tissues. Ultrasound is often preferred for its accessibility, safety and ability to capture dynamic motion, making it a highly effective diagnostic tool in many cases.
Why Choose The Forbury Clinic?
The Forbury Clinic provides expert musculoskeletal ultrasound services, offering precise imaging and thorough assessments using state-of-the-art technology. Our experienced specialists ensure accurate diagnoses, guiding effective treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.