Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound Scans
The musculoskeletal (MSK) system is composed of your bones (skeleton), muscles, ligaments, joints, tendons, cartilage and other connective tissues. MSK ultrasound scans have a wide range of applications, and are a quick and non-invasive procedure. Ultrasound scans can help you get to the bottom of your symptoms, and gain access the right treatment.
What is a musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound scan?
Ultrasound scans work using high-frequency sound waves, which bounce off the tissues of your body to generate images. A scanning probe, also known as a transducer, emits these sound waves and then collects the echoes as they reflect off the tissues and organs inside your body. A computer uses this information to compile images on a screen in real-time.
MSK ultrasound is a large category of many different types of body scan, which can be used on the arms, legs, hands, feet, joints (such as ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee) and a wide range of soft tissues. They are commonly used in physiotherapy and osteopathy settings, and to assess sports injuries as well as general aches and pains.
Some examples of MSK ultrasound scan uses include:
- Assessing any joint, for example the shoulder joint for rotator cuff disease. Ultrasound scans allow real-time images to be captured while the body is in motion, so they can help doctors to see if there is any catching or irregularity when you move your joint around.
- Checking for lumps and bumps, including soft tissue tumours such as lipomas
- Examining the tendons, for example ankle tendons.
- Imaging the groin to look for hernias
What does a musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound show?
Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound scans can be used to show many different joints, soft tissues (like muscles, tendons and ligaments), and even the spine. The MSK body part scans we offer include:
- Ankle or foot
- Thigh or calf
- Joints like the elbow, hip, wrist, shoulder and knee
- Upper or lower arm
- Lumbar, thoracic or cervical spine
What can a musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound detect or diagnose?
As MSK imaging using ultrasound has so many applications, it is a highly useful tool for assessing injuries, tumours, growths, abnormalities and other health concerns. Examples include:
- Muscle tears
- Tendonitis (inflamed tendons), either from overuse, injury, disease or infection
- Bursitis
- Joint problems
- Arthritis
- Tumours and cysts
- Conditions like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
- Infection
- Swelling
Is a musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound safe?
MSK ultrasound scans do not require the use of contrast dyes, radiation or sedation, and are quick and simple to complete. They are completely safe, with no known side effects.
If you are experiencing pain or tenderness in the area being scanned, you might feel some discomfort when pressure is applied with the scanning wand (transducer). You should tell your sonographer if you are experiencing pain.
To find out more about ultrasound scans, you can visit our definitive guide.
How to prepare for a musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound:
Ultrasound scans generally do not require much preparation beforehand, especially in the case of MSK scans. You should not wear jewellery, belts, or tight clothing to the scan.
We recommend wearing soft, comfortable clothing as you may be able to keep it on for your scan. In some cases, depending on the type of scan, you might be asked to change into a medical gown.
If there are any further preparations required ahead of your scan, we will let you know in advance of your appointment.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound Scan: what to expect on the day
Ultrasound scans are quick and straightforward to complete. On the day, you will undergo a few key steps depending on the type of scan you’re having, and in which area of the body:
- You may be asked to change into a medical gown, and you’ll need to remove any jewellery or piercings near the area being scanned.
- You might be asked to lie down on a flat couch, or sit up in a chair.
- A cool gel will be applied to your skin, to help lubricate the scanning wand, and prevent air bubbles from interfering with the images. The gel is cool on your skin, which can cause mild discomfort.
- During the scan, the sonographer might ask you to move the body part being scanned at certain points. This is usually applicable for joint scans. If you are suffering with pain in the area being scanned, you might find it uncomfortable when pressure is applied with the scanning wand. You should tell your sonographer if you are experiencing any pain.
- You’ll be able to see the images on a screen during your scan, depending on the position you are lying in.
- After the scan, you can usually resume your day as normal.
How long does a musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound take?
Ultrasound scans usually take between 20-30 minutes to complete, but can vary depending on the body part.
How long do MSK ultrasound results take?
After your scan, a radiologist will study your images, and write a report of their findings. This will be shared with our clinical team within 7 working days. As soon as we receive your results, we will share them with you by email, and our clinicians will provide a follow-up consultation to discuss the outcomes and next steps.
How much does a musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound scan cost?
Our wide range of MSK ultrasound scans start from £219, and you’ll be able to choose the type of scan you need within our booking search. The price you pay includes a full end-to-end package of care, which includes:
- A pre-scan consultation with a dedicated expert clinician, to discuss your symptoms and requirements
- Your choice of scanning centre, and a fast referral to your selected clinic
- Your ultrasound scan
- A radiologist’s report of your results
- Access to your scan images upon request
- A post-scan consultation with your clinician if any next steps are required
Next steps:
- Book a private ultrasound today without GP referral - our expert clinical team will take care of all the paperwork on your behalf.
- Visit our news page to learn more about ultrasound scans and medical imaging