Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Information & Get a Scan
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
Why Do I Need a Musculoskeletal Ultrasound?
If you’re dealing with ongoing joint, muscle or bone pain, or you’ve recently injured yourself, your healthcare provider may recommend a diagnostic ultrasound called a musculoskeletal ultrasound. This type of scan helps your clinician look closely at the soft tissues that support your body’s movement, such as your muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints.
If you’re having problems with everyday movements, or unexplained pain or stiffness, your doctor or physiotherapist might suggest this type of scan to:
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Investigate unexplained joint pain or swelling.
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Look for any soft-tissue injuries, such as tendon tears, ligament sprains, or muscle strains.
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Assess any abnormalities in your muscles, bones or joints.
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Monitor long-term conditions such as arthritis or tendinitis.
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Diagnose conditions from overuse of the joints and soft tissues, such as tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, or problems with the Achilles tendon.
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Determine if soft tissue swellings or soft tissue masses are benign or, more rarely, malignant.
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Guide injections or other minor procedures safely and accurately.
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Reveal fluid collections, joint effusions, or areas of inflammation around your joints and soft tissues.
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Show blood flow in and around an injury, helping to provide an assessment of how well you’re healing.
By capturing clear, real-time images, a musculoskeletal ultrasound gives your specialist the information they need to understand what’s going on and plan the most effective treatment for you.
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
How Does a Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Work?
During your musculoskeletal ultrasound, the person carrying out your scan will use a small handheld device called a transducer. This device sends high-frequency sound waves, which are too high for your ears to hear, into the part of your body that’s being examined.
As these sound waves bounce back, they create echoes that the transducer picks up. It sends this data to a computer, which creates detailed moving images on a screen. These images show what’s happening inside your soft tissues, joints and muscles in real time, so your specialist can see how your muscles and tendons move when you do.
Because it shows motion and movement, ultrasound is really helpful for spotting issues that only appear when you’re actively moving the joints and tissues, such as a tendon slipping out of place or a muscle that isn’t working as it should.
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.
What Equipment is Used During the Scan?
Your ultrasound specialist will use a high-frequency ultrasound machine, usually between 5–12 megahertz (MHz). Higher frequencies allow for sharper images of the smaller structures inside your body, so they;re ideal for examining your muscles, ligaments and tendons.
Some clinicians also use portable ultrasound devices, which are smaller, handheld versions of the same technology.
What Are the Benefits of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound?
There are lots of advantages to having a musculoskeletal ultrasound, including:
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It shows your muscles, joints and tendons as they move, giving a clearer picture of how your body functions.
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Ultrasound doesn’t use any radiation, making it suitable for people of all ages and safe for repeat scans if your condition needs monitoring.
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Because it can detect fluid and inflammation, it’s ideal for identifying the early signs of soft tissue injury.
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Ultrasound is generally less expensive than other imaging tests, such as MRI.
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It can help your clinician deliver treatments, such as injections, directly to the right spot.
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It provides quick and accurate information to support diagnosis and helps your clinician monitor your recovery over time.
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Most scans take less than 30 minutes, and you can return to your usual activities straight away.
All these benefits make ultrasound a practical and reliable first step in understanding what might be causing your pain or injury.
Are There Any Risks With a Musculoskeletal Ultrasound?
Musculoskeletal ultrasound is considered one of the safest imaging methods available. It’s non-invasive, meaning nothing enters your body, and it doesn’t use any radiation.
Some people may feel mild discomfort if the probe is pressed against a tender area, or experience a temporary reaction to the small amount of gel used during the scan, although this is rare. Like all imaging tests, there’s a small chance that very subtle problems could be missed, but our experienced clinicians are highly trained in interpreting results accurately.
For most people, the benefits of ultrasound examination far outweigh any small risks.
Getting Your Results
After your scan, a radiologist will study your images, and write a report of their findings. This will usually be shared with our clinical team within 7 working days, but can vary by scanning site. 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
What Other Scans Can Look at Muscles, Bones and Joints?
Ultrasound is just one of several imaging options for investigating musculoskeletal problems. Depending on your symptoms, your clinician may recommend:
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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create very detailed images of soft tissues and joints.
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CT (Computed Tomography) scan: Combines multiple X-ray images to build 3D pictures of bones and joints.
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X-ray: Best for detecting bone fractures or alignment issues, but less effective for soft tissues.
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Bone scintigraphy (bone scan): Uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to detect changes in bone activity, often used to find stress fractures or infections.
Your doctor will decide which scan is most appropriate based on your symptoms and the part of your body being examined. Or they may recommend a combination of scans for a complete diagnosis.Â
FAQs
What is the musculoskeletal system?
Your musculoskeletal system is the framework that supports your body and helps you move. It includes your bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues, which all work together so you can stand, walk, lift, stretch and perform everyday tasks.
When something in this system is injured or not working properly, you might experience pain, stiffness, swelling or limited movement. That’s when a musculoskeletal scan can help to pinpoint the problem.
Do I need a referral for a musculoskeletal ultrasound?
It depends on how you access your scan. In some cases, your GP, physiotherapist or consultant may refer you for an ultrasound. In other cases, particularly with private providers, you may be able to book your own scan directly, without needing a referral beforehand.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to check with your doctor or your health insurer before making an appointment.
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.
Who performs a musculoskeletal ultrasound?
Your scan will usually be carried out by a trained sonographer or radiologist. These are healthcare professionals who specialise in imaging. Some sports medicine doctors and physiotherapists are also trained to perform musculoskeletal ultrasounds, especially in injury clinics or rehabilitation settings.
These specialists use their expertise to capture high-quality images, interpret what they see, and share their findings with your referring clinician so you can get the right diagnosis and treatment.
What Can’t a Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Show?
Ultrasound is an excellent way to visualise muscles and soft tissues near the surface of your body, but it has some limitations in what it can show us.
Because sound waves can’t pass through bone, it’s not ideal for seeing deeper structures, such as deeper nerves or bones, inside joints or around the spine. The quality of the images can also depend on the skill of the person performing the scan, which is why it’s important that your scan is carried out by a trained specialist. It can however detect things like certain nerve entrapments near the skin’s surface, such as in carpal tunnel syndrome.
If your doctor needs to see areas that ultrasound can’t reach, they may recommend an MRI or CT scan for more detailed information, or suggest a combination of tests and scans to get more information.
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
