Private Elbow & Forearm Ultrasound Scan
Detailed assessment of elbow pain, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow and forearm tendon or muscle injuries.
OUR SERVICE
Understanding the cause of your elbow or forearm pain
Elbow and forearm pain can affect your ability to grip objects, lift weights, work, exercise or carry out everyday activities.
Repetitive movements, sports injuries, overuse and direct trauma can affect the tendons, muscles and other soft tissues around your elbow.
At Serenity Ultrasound, our private elbow and forearm ultrasound scans provide detailed images of these structures to help investigate the possible cause of your symptoms.
What can an elbow and forearm ultrasound detect?
An ultrasound scan may help identify:
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) – changes affecting the common extensor tendon on the outside of the elbow.
- Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) – changes affecting the common flexor tendon on the inside of the elbow.
- Tendon tears – partial or complete tears involving accessible tendons around the elbow.
- Distal biceps tendon injuries – inflammation or tearing of the biceps tendon near its attachment at the elbow.
- Triceps tendon injuries – abnormalities affecting the tendon at the back of the elbow.
- Olecranon bursitis – swelling or fluid accumulation within the bursa at the back of the elbow.
- Forearm muscle injuries – muscle tears, haematomas and other localised soft tissue abnormalities.
- Ulnar nerve abnormalities – selected causes of nerve enlargement or irritation around the elbow, including suspected cubital tunnel syndrome.
When might you benefit from an elbow ultrasound?
You may wish to consider an ultrasound assessment if you have:
- Persistent pain on the inside or outside of your elbow.
- Pain when gripping, lifting or twisting your forearm.
- Elbow pain associated with repetitive work or sporting activities.
- Swelling or a lump around the elbow.
- Pain or weakness following an injury.
- Localised forearm pain or suspected muscle injury.
What happens during the examination?
Your sonographer will ask about your symptoms and examine the affected area using a handheld ultrasound probe.
You may be asked to bend or straighten your elbow, rotate your forearm or move your wrist to allow the relevant tendons and muscles to be assessed.
The examination focuses on the area of concern and any related structures that require assessment.
Following your scan, you will receive a written report outlining the findings.
Ultrasound is particularly useful for superficial tendons and soft tissues, but it does not provide a complete assessment of the bones, cartilage or deeper internal structures of the elbow.
Book your private elbow and forearm ultrasound scan at Serenity Ultrasound.
OUR PROCESS
Your MSK Ultrasound Appointment at Serenity Ultrasound
1. Your consultation
Your sonographer will ask about your symptoms, medical history and the area of concern to help determine the most appropriate ultrasound assessment.
2. Your ultrasound examination
A small amount of ultrasound gel will be applied to your skin, and a handheld probe will be moved gently over the area being examined. You may be asked to change position or move the affected joint during the scan.
3. Understanding your results
Your sonographer will discuss the examination findings with you and explain whether any abnormalities have been identified.
4. Your report and next steps
You will receive a written ultrasound report detailing the findings. Where appropriate, your sonographer will advise you to seek further assessment or discuss the results with your GP or treating specialist.