Elbow/forearm Ultrasound Scan

Elbow/forearm Ultrasound Scan
Price : £215
Book an appoinment
TENNIS ELBOW, GOLFER'S ELBOW AND MORE

Elbow & forearm
ultrasound.
Find the source of the pain.

A private ultrasound of your elbow tendons, ligaments, nerves and forearm muscles — for tennis or golfer's elbow, swelling, a lump at the back of the elbow or tingling into the hand.

Central London Banstead, Surrey
A sonographer performing a elbow and forearm ultrasound scanA painless look at the tendons.
YOUR ELBOW SCANAbout 20 min
£215Published scan price

Choose your clinic and view appointment options in our online booking system.

Explore your appointment
PATIENT EXPERIENCES

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01 / UNDERSTANDING YOUR SCAN

Strong tendons.
Common problems.

Most elbow pain comes from the tendons that attach the forearm muscles. Ultrasound shows them clearly, along with the ligaments, nerves and fluid spaces around the joint.

01

Tennis & golfer's elbow

Look for thickening, tears and inflammation of the outer and inner elbow tendons.

02

Bursitis & swelling

Check for fluid in the bursa at the back of the elbow and in the joint.

03

Ulnar nerve

Assess the nerve behind the elbow, linked to tingling in the ring and little fingers.

04

Biceps & triceps

Check the tendons that attach at the front and back of the elbow for injury.

IN DETAIL

Elbow & Forearm Ultrasound Scan – Advanced Imaging for Musculoskeletal Health

An Elbow & Forearm Ultrasound Scan is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and joints in the elbow and forearm. This scan is essential for diagnosing injuries, inflammation, or other conditions affecting these areas, offering a real-time view of soft tissues and their function.

LISTEN TO THE AUDIO SUMMARY
Elbow/forearm Ultrasound Scan
What is an Elbow & Forearm Ultrasound Scan?

The Elbow & Forearm Ultrasound focuses on the structures within the elbow and forearm, providing insights into conditions such as:

  1. Tendinitis (e.g., tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow)
  2. Muscle tears or strains
  3. Bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs in the elbow joint)
  4. Nerve entrapment (such as ulnar nerve issues)
  5. Joint effusions (fluid buildup in the elbow joint)
  6. Fractures or bone abnormalities

This scan allows healthcare providers to assess any injuries or abnormalities in these areas, as well as monitor the healing process after treatment or surgery.

Why is an Elbow & Forearm Ultrasound Important?

An Elbow & Forearm Ultrasound is a critical diagnostic tool for identifying a range of musculoskeletal conditions. It is particularly useful for:

  1. Real-time imaging: Allows for dynamic assessment of how muscles, tendons, and joints move, making it ideal for diagnosing conditions like tendinitis or ligament injuries.
  2. Detecting soft tissue injuries: Unlike X-rays, which primarily show bones, ultrasound captures detailed images of soft tissues like tendons and ligaments.
  3. Assessing nerve conditions: Helps evaluate nerve entrapment, particularly in cases like cubital tunnel syndrome, where the ulnar nerve is compressed near the elbow.
Who Should Have an Elbow & Forearm Ultrasound Scan?

This scan is recommended for individuals experiencing:

  1. Elbow pain or discomfort in the forearm.
  2. Swelling, stiffness, or limited mobility in the elbow or forearm.
  3. Injuries from sports, overuse, or trauma that may have affected the soft tissues.
  4. Nerve pain or numbness radiating from the elbow into the forearm or hand.
  5. Suspected muscle or tendon tears following an injury.
Benefits of an Elbow & Forearm Ultrasound Scan
  1. Non-invasive and Safe: The procedure involves no radiation and is completely painless.
  2. Real-time, Dynamic Imaging: The ability to view muscles, tendons, and joints in motion provides a more accurate diagnosis of movement-related conditions.
  3. Accurate Diagnosis: Helps identify soft tissue injuries, nerve entrapment, and joint abnormalities that may not be visible on X-rays.

If you’re experiencing elbow or forearm pain, stiffness, or injury-related symptoms, an Elbow & Forearm Ultrasound Scan can provide crucial insights for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Book your appointment today to take the first step towards recovery.

At Phoenix Clinic, we also provide Hand Ultrasound Scan services to assess conditions affecting the hand, fingers, and soft tissues. You can book your appointment today for an accurate and comprehensive ultrasound assessment.

02 / YOUR VISIT, SIMPLIFIED

Know what to expect.
Feel more prepared.

From getting ready to discussing what comes next, here is a simple guide to your appointment.

A question before you book? Call us
1

Tell us how it started

An injury, a gradual ache, swelling, clicking or weakness — and which activities bring it on. Point to exactly where it hurts.

2

Understand the scan

You sit with your arm resting on a pillow. Gel is applied and the probe is moved around the elbow while you bend and straighten it. It is painless and takes about 20 minutes for one side.

3

Talk about the next steps

The sonographer explains what they have seen, and your written report follows within 24 hours — ready to share with your GP, physiotherapist or orthopaedic specialist.

03 / FIND YOUR PHOENIX

Two locations.
One thoughtful choice.

Choose the location that works for you. Confirm your selected clinic in the booking system before completing your appointment.

04 / A FEW THINGS YOU MAY BE WONDERING

Your questions.
Clear answers.

Need something more personal?
Speak to the team before booking.

020 3318 1373
Do I need a GP referral?

No. You can book directly. A referral letter from your GP, physiotherapist or consultant is welcome but not required.

Should I book one side or both?

Book one side if only one elbow is affected. Choose Two Sides if both are painful, or if your clinician wants a comparison. Combined options are in the booking form.

Do I have tennis elbow?

Pain on the outside of the elbow when gripping or lifting is typical. Ultrasound can show how the tendon has changed and rule out other causes.

Can you also scan the wrist?

Yes. The booking form offers Elbow/Forearm + Wrist and Elbow/Forearm + Wrist + Hand options in one appointment.

What if it is a new, severe injury?

If you cannot bear weight or move the joint, have a visible deformity, numbness, or think something may be broken, go to an urgent treatment centre or A&E rather than waiting for a scan.

Why do I need to have an elbow ultrasound scan?

You may need an elbow ultrasound scan if you experience one or more of the following signs and symptoms:
• Pain and swelling around the elbow region, affecting movement, daily activities or sporting activities.
• Pain during gripping or repetitive movements.
• Stiffness in the elbow in the morning or after a period of inactivity.
• Limited range of motion, pain or difficulty fully bending or straightening the elbow.
• Pain, limited range of motion, or instability after an injury or accident.
• Unable to progress training or to achieve nominal performance.
• Numbness, tingling or other nerve symptoms (pins and needles, burning pain, electric shock sensation)
• Discomfort during sport or at the end of an active day.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consider booking an elbow ultrasound scan at Phoenix Ultrasound to assess the underlying structures and diagnose any potential issues. Early detection can lead to timely intervention and better outcomes.

What does this scan include?

During this ultrasound scan, our specialist sonographer will assess the whole elbow region using ultrasound technology.
The appointment encompasses the following:
• Relevant Medical History: We will gather information about your medical history and injuries to ensure a thorough assessment.
• Ultrasound Examination: We will perform a detailed ultrasound scan of the elbow, including the elbow joint (coronoid-trochlear joint and radio-capitellar joint), medial and lateral epicondyles (bony structure, collateral ligaments, common flexor and extensor tendon origins), biceps and triceps tendons, bursitis, and other mechanical or inflammatory issues.
• Explanation of Findings: You will receive clear explanations of all findings during and after the ultrasound scan.
• Official Report: We will provide you with an official report within 24 hours, including relevant images from your scan.
• Further Recommendations: If necessary, we may recommend a follow-up scan, referral to your GP or a specialist, or suggest additional tests such as blood test or other imaging.
At Phoenix Ultrasound, our goal is to offer a comprehensive and informative service to guide you through the diagnostic process. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.

What is the most common finding of an elbow ultrasound scan?

The most common finding is tennis elbow (also known as lateral epicondylitis/epicondylalgia, common extensor tendinopathy/tendinitis), and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis/epicondylalgia, common flexor tendinopathy/tendinitis). Bursitis (especially olecranon bursitis), arthritis (joint inflammation or swelling) and osteoarthritis (joint wear and tear) are also relatively common.
Biceps and triceps tendons injuries (tendinopathy or tears) are less frequent.
Ultrasound can also assess the ulnar nerve and radial nerve around the elbow to assess for nerve entrapment or instability (subluxation/dislocation)
At Phoenix Ultrasound, our skilled professionals are trained to identify and interpret a range of conditions, providing you with a comprehensive assessment of your health.

What kind of preparation do I need?

There is no essential preparation for this scan.
However, as the scan involves exposing the elbow, we recommend wearing clothing that allows easy access and full mobility.

What happens during the elbow ultrasound scan?

Our ultrasound specialist will explain the procedure before starting. You will be guided to sit upright facing the sonographer and expose the elbow. A small amount of water-based gel will be applied to the examined area for optimal imaging. Our specialist will move the probe on your skin to produce diagnostic ultrasound images.
You may be asked to move the elbow and arm in various positions, which helps better visualise structures around the elbow. Elbow ultrasound scan is safe, non-invasive (external, onto the skin), involve no radiation, and are painless so you are not expected to feel any discomfort during your ultrasound scan.
An elbow ultrasound scan is usually completed within 15-20 minutes. Our sonographer will provide recommendations based on the findings of the ultrasound scan.

When will I get the results?

You will receive your results verbally immediately after the scan. Following the appointment, the sonographer will review the images and prepare a written report within 24 hours, with any recommended actions.
The report and images will be sent to you, allowing you to discuss the findings with your doctor or physiotherapist if necessary.

What are the risks of an elbow ultrasound?

There are no associated risks or side effects with a shoulder ultrasound scan. Ultrasound, the imaging technique used, does not involve any radiation.
This is one reason why doctors prefer ultrasound for monitoring developing babies in pregnant women.

How do I book and confirm the price?

Use the booking form on this page and follow its Next buttons. Choose one side, two sides or a combined option and your appointment time, enter the requested details, then review the price before completing the booking.

WHEN YOU’RE READY

Your appointment.
Right here.

Book your elbow and forearm ultrasound below. Follow the booking form’s Next buttons to continue, one step at a time.

ELBOW & FOREARM · ONE OR BOTH SIDESNeed a hand? 020 3318 1373
  1. 01
    Your appointmentReview scan options, location and available times.
  2. 02
    Your detailsComplete the information requested in the form.
  3. 03
    Review & completeCheck the price and follow the final booking steps.
PHOENIX ULTRASOUND

Book your elbow & forearm ultrasound

Online booking

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BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

Preparation, made clear.

  • No preparation is needed — eat, drink and take your usual medication as normal.
  • Wear a short-sleeved or sleeveless top so the elbow is easy to reach.
  • Note what makes it worse — the movements or positions that trigger your pain help the sonographer target the scan.
  • Bring any previous imaging or physiotherapy / GP letters if you have them.

Booking more than one area, or both sides? Choose the matching option in the booking form. If anything is unclear, call us on 020 3318 1373 before your visit.

If you feel unwell, seek medical advice. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. For urgent concerns, contact your GP or NHS 111; in an emergency call 999.

Further reading: NHS guidance on tennis elbow · NHS guidance on bursitis

FAQs
What conditions can an Elbow & Forearm Ultrasound Scan detect?

An Elbow & Forearm Ultrasound Scan can help identify various conditions, including tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, tendonitis, muscle tears, ligament injuries, bursitis, nerve entrapment, joint swelling, and other soft tissue problems affecting the elbow and forearm.

Is an Elbow & Forearm Ultrasound Scan painful?

No, an Elbow & Forearm Ultrasound Scan is a painless and non-invasive procedure. During the scan, a sonographer applies gel to the skin and moves an ultrasound probe over the elbow and forearm area to capture detailed images of the muscles, tendons, nerves, and other soft tissues.

How long does an Elbow & Forearm Ultrasound Scan take?

An Elbow & Forearm Ultrasound Scan usually takes around 15–30 minutes, depending on the area being examined and the condition being assessed. The procedure does not involve radiation, and patients can typically return to their normal activities immediately after the scan.

Booking

Please select Appointment type and Branch location to see time slots for booking- alternatively, please contact us via the chat, call or email, 020-3318-1373

Preparing For Scan: Tips And Guidelines

Please check what preparation is needed before your ultrasound scan below:

All Pelvic scans
Kidney and Urinary tract
Prostate & Urinary Tract
Appendicitis
Early Pregnancy Scan
Drink One Liter of still water (2 Pints) One hour before your scan.
Do NOT use the toilet so you would arrive with a full bladder.
Medication can be taken as normal.
Liver scans
Upper Abdomen
Liver Fibroscan (Liver Elastography)
Do NOT eat for 6 hours prior to scan time.
Combination of above scans Same as respective scan’s preparation.