Hand Ultrasound Scan – Precision Imaging for Hand and Wrist Conditions
A Hand Ultrasound Scan is a non-invasive imaging test used to evaluate the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints in the hand and wrist. This dynamic scan provides real-time, detailed images, making it highly effective for diagnosing conditions such as tendonitis, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and soft tissue injuries. Ultrasound is particularly useful for evaluating hand-related issues due to its ability to capture detailed soft tissue images that other imaging methods may not provide.
What is a Hand Ultrasound Scan?
A Hand Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the internal structures of the hand, including:
Tendons (to assess tendonitis or tendon tears)
Ligaments (to check for ligament sprains or tears)
Muscles and soft tissues
Bones and joints (for assessing joint-related conditions such as arthritis)
Nerve conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
Cysts, masses, or lumps in the hand or wrist
It is commonly used for diagnosing injuries or conditions affecting the hand’s function and mobility.
Why is a Hand Ultrasound Important?
A Hand Ultrasound is essential for diagnosing a range of hand and wrist conditions, offering:
Real-time, Dynamic Imaging: It allows for the assessment of the hand’s structures during movement, providing a more accurate diagnosis.
Soft Tissue Evaluation: Unlike X-rays that focus on bones, ultrasound provides detailed images of tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues.
Early Detection: It helps detect early signs of conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, or nerve entrapment, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
Who Should Consider a Hand Ultrasound?
A Hand Ultrasound is recommended for individuals experiencing:
Hand or wrist pain or discomfort.
Limited range of motion or stiffness in the hand.
Swelling or inflammation in the hand or wrist.
Suspected carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or trigger finger.
Sports injuries or trauma affecting the hand or wrist.
Lumps or masses in the hand, such as cysts or tumors.
Nerve-related conditions like numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Benefits of a Hand Ultrasound Scan
Non-invasive and Painless: The procedure is completely safe and involves no radiation exposure.
Dynamic Imaging: The real-time view of tendons, ligaments, and joints in motion provides a more accurate diagnosis of movement-related conditions.
Soft Tissue Focused: It provides detailed imaging of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that may not be visible on X-rays.
Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: Helps guide treatment plans, whether conservative management, injections, or surgery.
Book Your Hand Ultrasound Scan Today
If you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or mobility issues in your hand or wrist, a Hand Ultrasound Scan can provide valuable insights for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Schedule your scan today to receive a comprehensive evaluation and take steps toward restoring hand function and comfort.
You may need a hand ultrasound scan if you experience one or more of the following signs and symptoms:
• Pain and swelling around the hand or finger joints, affecting movement, daily activities, or sporting activities.
• Pain or discomfort during gripping, pressure, or repetitive movements.
• Limited range of motion, pain, or difficulty fully bending or straightening the fingers.
• Numbness, tingling, or other nerve symptoms (pins and needles, burning pain, electric shock sensation) in the hand or fingers.
• Pain or discomfort after an injury or accident.
• Concerned about lumps, bumps, or changes in the hand or finger region.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, consider booking a hand ultrasound scan at Phoenix Ultrasound to assess the underlying structures and diagnose potential issues. Early detection can lead to timely intervention and better outcomes.
During this ultrasound scan, our specialist sonographer will assess the entire hand 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 hand, covering joints, finger joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, 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 tests 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.
The most common findings include joint inflammation, tendon problems (such as tenosynovitis, trigger finger), ligament injuries, nerve entrapment (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), arthritis, and other mechanical or inflammatory issues affecting the hand. Ultrasound is a valuable tool for assessing the intricate structures of the fingers, thumb and hand, ensuring a precise and accurate diagnosis.
There is no essential preparation for this scan. However, as the scan involves exposing the hand, we recommend wearing clothing that allows easy access and full mobility.
Our ultrasound specialist will explain the procedure before starting. You will be guided to sit comfortably facing the sonographer and expose the hand. A small amount of water-based gel will be applied for optimal imaging. Our specialist will move the probe on your skin to produce diagnostic ultrasound images. You may be asked to move your hand and fingers in various positions, which helps better visualise structures around the hand. Hand ultrasound scan is safe, non-invasive (external, onto the skin), involves no radiation, and is painless, so you are not expected to feel any discomfort during your ultrasound scan. A hand ultrasound scan is usually completed within 15-20 minutes. Our sonographer will provide recommendations based on the findings of the ultrasound scan.
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, physiotherapist, hand therapist or consultant if necessary.
There are no associated risks or side effects with a hand 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.
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