Private Knee Ultrasound Scan
Investigating knee swelling, Baker's cysts, tendon injuries and soft tissue abnormalities around the knee.
OUR SERVICE
Find out more about your knee pain or swelling
Knee pain can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, exercise or carry out everyday activities.
Whether you have developed swelling behind your knee, experienced a sports injury or are struggling with persistent discomfort, an ultrasound scan may help identify abnormalities affecting the accessible soft tissues surrounding your knee.
At Serenity Ultrasound, we offer private knee ultrasound examinations to investigate selected causes of knee pain and swelling.
What can a knee ultrasound detect?
A knee ultrasound can help assess:
- Baker's cysts – fluid-filled swellings that develop at the back of the knee.
- Knee joint effusion – excess fluid within accessible areas of the knee joint.
- Patellar tendinopathy – abnormalities affecting the tendon below the kneecap.
- Quadriceps tendon injuries and quadriceps muscle tears – inflammation or tearing of the tendon above the kneecap, or tears of the quadriceps muscle.
- Superficial ligament injuries – abnormalities affecting certain accessible ligaments around the knee.
- Bursitis – inflammation or fluid accumulation within bursae surrounding the knee.
- Localised soft tissue swelling – including superficial cysts, haematomas and selected muscle injuries.
When might you benefit from a knee ultrasound?
You may wish to consider an ultrasound scan if you are experiencing:
- Persistent pain around the front, back or sides of your knee.
- A lump or swelling behind your knee.
- Swelling following an injury.
- Pain when running, jumping or climbing stairs.
- Tenderness around the patellar or quadriceps tendon.
- Localised swelling that has not resolved.
What happens during your scan?
Your sonographer will examine your knee using a handheld ultrasound probe and a small amount of ultrasound gel.
You may be asked to lie on your back or front, or to bend and straighten your knee, depending on the area being assessed.
The examination may include the front, sides and back of the knee, according to your symptoms and the clinical indication.
Your sonographer will discuss the findings and provide a written ultrasound report.
Important information about knee ultrasound
Ultrasound is useful for assessing superficial tendons, fluid collections and certain soft tissue abnormalities. However, it is not the preferred examination for suspected meniscal tears, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries or deeper internal knee abnormalities.
If you have significant knee instability, locking or symptoms suggesting internal joint damage, a clinical assessment and MRI may be more appropriate.
Book your private knee 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.