Private Elbow and Forearm Ultrasound Scan in London

Yes. Ultrasound is a first-line test for elbow tendonitis (tendinopathy). It shows a thickened, swollen or irregular tendon, partial tears, small calcium deposits and extra blood flow on Doppler, at the outer elbow (tennis elbow), the inner elbow (golfer’s elbow), the front (distal biceps) and the back (triceps). The clinician can press on the sore spot while scanning, so your pain is matched to the picture.

Yes. Ultrasound shows olecranon bursitis, the fluid-filled swelling over the point of the elbow, including its size and whether the fluid looks simple or thickened. It also checks the bursa near the distal biceps tendon.

If the swelling is hot and red and you have a fever, get same-day medical advice, as it may be infected. If treatment is needed, an ultrasound-guided aspiration or injection can often be arranged.

Yes. Ultrasound shows elbow joint effusion, which is extra fluid in the joint, and any thickening of the joint lining. It can be measured and compared with your other elbow.

Ultrasound shows that fluid is there but not always why. Injury, irritation, arthritis and, rarely, infection can all cause it, so you may need an X-ray, MRI or blood tests. A hot, red, swollen elbow with a fever needs same-day assessment.

Most people recover well, but nobody can promise a 100% cure. Tennis elbow can take months to settle with rest from the aggravating activity and a graded strengthening programme, and it can return if the tendon is overloaded again.

A scan does not cure it, but it shows how much the tendon is affected and whether there is a tear, so your physio or doctor can match the treatment to what is actually there. An ultrasound-guided injection may be an option if it has not improved.

At London Private Ultrasound an elbow and forearm ultrasound costs £199 for one arm and £299 for both arms, all-inclusive, at our Central London and St Albans clinics. The price covers the scan, results explained on the day and a written report within 24 hours.

Across London, private elbow ultrasounds start from around £170 at some clinics. When you compare prices, check whether the written report is included and who performs the scan.

An elbow ultrasound shows the tendons on the outer and inner elbow, the distal biceps and triceps tendons, the elbow ligaments, the ulnar, radial and median nerves, the bursae and any fluid in the joint. It is used for tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, tendon tears, cubital tunnel syndrome, bursitis, joint effusion and lumps.

It does not show the inside of the bone, so a suspected fracture needs an X-ray.

Yes. Ultrasound is one of the best tests for tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). It shows the common extensor tendon on the outer elbow, including thickening, loss of the normal structure, partial tearing, calcification and extra blood flow on Doppler.

It also checks the radial nerve and the outer ligament, which can cause similar pain, so the real cause is not missed.

Yes. Ultrasound shows golfer’s elbow, which affects the common flexor tendon on the inner elbow, and can tell a partial from a complete distal biceps tendon tear. A complete tear may show a gap with the tendon pulled back.

If you felt a sudden pop at the front of the elbow with new weakness bending the arm, get it checked the same day.

Yes. Ultrasound shows the ulnar nerve at the elbow, measures its size, checks for swelling or squeezing and watches how it moves as you bend the elbow. This helps with cubital tunnel syndrome, which causes tingling in the ring and little fingers. If your symptoms point to a nerve problem that needs further tests, we will tell you.

Yes. The scan covers the forearm as well as the elbow: the forearm muscles and tendons, the median, radial and ulnar nerves, and any lump such as a ganglion cyst.

It is used for forearm muscle strains and tears, repetitive strain (RSI) type pain, nerve irritation and swellings. Tell us where the pain is when you book.

Our scan is a diagnostic test: it looks at the tendon and does not treat it. Therapeutic ultrasound is a different treatment that some physiotherapists offer for tennis elbow, and the evidence that it helps is limited, so ask your physiotherapist what they recommend.

A diagnostic scan can show how damaged the tendon is, which helps decide the right treatment.

You sit or lie with your arm supported while the clinician moves a small probe over the elbow and forearm with warm gel. It is painless, with no needles and nothing internal. You will be asked to bend, straighten and turn your arm so the tendons and nerves can be seen moving, and Doppler is used where it helps.

Allow about 20 to 30 minutes. Results are explained before you leave.

Book one arm if only one elbow or forearm hurts. Book both arms if both sides hurt, or if comparing your painful arm with the other gives a clearer answer, which is common with sports injuries, manual work and before treatment planning.

Both arms is £299, with one appointment and one report.

No. You can book directly online, by phone on 020 7101 3377 or on WhatsApp, and same-day or next-day appointments are often available. Bring any previous X-ray, ultrasound or MRI reports if you have them. Online booking is for patients aged 18 and over.

Yes. If the scan finds a treatable problem such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, olecranon bursitis or elbow joint effusion, an ultrasound-guided injection can often be arranged. Live ultrasound places the needle accurately. Treatment is booked and charged separately from the scan.

Our Central London clinic is at 27 Welbeck Street, W1G 8EN, in the Harley Street Medical District, two minutes from Bond Street on the Elizabeth line. Our second clinic is at 54–56 Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3HZ, near St Albans City station.

Both offer elbow and forearm ultrasound seven days a week, 9am to 7pm, with same-day appointments often available.