Elbow and Forearm Ultrasound in London.

An elbow and forearm ultrasound scan is a non-invasive imaging technique using high-frequency sound waves. It produces real-time images of the soft tissues, tendons, ligaments, and nerves in the elbow and forearm. This scan helps diagnose various conditions affecting these areas, including tendonitis, ligament tears, and nerve entrapments. Your GP might recommend this scan if you're experiencing persistent elbow or forearm pain. They can explain how the scan will help in diagnosing your specific condition. Remember, ultrasound scans are safe, painless, and don't use radiation, making them suitable for repeated use.

Your GP might recommend an elbow and forearm ultrasound scan for persistent pain, swelling, or limited range of motion. It's often used to investigate conditions like tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, or cubital tunnel syndrome. The scan can help diagnose tendon tears, ligament injuries, or nerve compressions. It's also useful for guiding injections or aspirations in the elbow area. Your GP will consider your symptoms, physical examination findings, and medical history before recommending this scan. Remember, an ultrasound scan is often part of a comprehensive diagnostic approach, possibly including other tests.

Preparation for an elbow and forearm ultrasound scan is minimal. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your elbow and forearm. Remove any jewellery or watches from the area to be scanned. Inform your GP about any recent injuries or surgeries in the elbow or forearm area. They might advise you to avoid applying lotions or creams to the skin before the scan. Remember to bring any relevant medical records or previous imaging results to your appointment. Your GP can provide specific instructions if any additional preparation is needed.

At Spital Clinic, a private Elbow and Forearm Ultrasound Scan with our expert sonographers costs £150. We are open 7 days a week and can offer morning, day and evening appointments. If you are using private health insurance, please call the clinic to provide your authorisation number. To book, please click here.

During the scan, you'll lie or sit comfortably with your elbow and forearm exposed. The sonographer will apply a water-based gel to your skin to improve sound wave transmission. They'll move a small handheld device (transducer) over the area, capturing images on a screen. You might be asked to move your elbow or forearm into different positions during the scan. The procedure is painless, though you might feel slight pressure from the transducer. Your GP can explain what to expect and how long the scan typically takes. Remember to inform the sonographer if you experience any discomfort during the procedure.

While X-rays are the primary tool for diagnosing arthritis, ultrasound scans can provide valuable complementary information. They can detect soft tissue inflammation, joint effusions, and some early arthritic changes. Ultrasound is particularly useful for identifying inflammatory arthritis in its early stages. Your GP might recommend both X-rays and ultrasound for a comprehensive assessment of suspected arthritis. They can explain how these imaging techniques work together to provide a clear diagnosis. Remember, ultrasound findings need to be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms and other test results.

A typical elbow and forearm ultrasound scan usually takes about 15-30 minutes. The duration can vary depending on the complexity of the examination and the specific structures being assessed. Your GP can give you a more precise estimate based on your individual case. They might recommend allowing extra time for preparation and post-scan discussion with the sonographer. Remember, it's important not to rush the procedure to ensure thorough and accurate imaging of all relevant structures.

An ultrasound scan, also known as sonography, is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is a safe and painless procedure that does not use ionising radiation. Ultrasound scans are commonly used to monitor pregnancy, diagnose conditions, and guide medical procedures. The images are created in real-time, allowing healthcare professionals to view the structure and movement of internal organs and tissues.

Persistent outer elbow pain, often associated with tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), frequently requires ultrasound investigation. Inner elbow pain, typical of golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), may also benefit from an ultrasound scan. Pain around the bony prominence at the back of the elbow could indicate olecranon bursitis, assessable via ultrasound. Your GP might recommend a scan for any elbow pain that doesn't improve with conservative treatment. They can explain how the ultrasound findings will guide your treatment plan. Remember to describe your pain in detail to your GP to help determine if an ultrasound is necessary.

Yes, ultrasound scans can effectively visualise nerves in the elbow and forearm area. They're particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve entrapment). Ultrasound can show nerve swelling, compression, or displacement. It's also helpful in assessing carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the median nerve. Your GP might recommend an ultrasound if you're experiencing numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand or fingers. They can explain how the scan helps differentiate between various nerve-related conditions. Remember, a combination of clinical examination and ultrasound provides the most accurate diagnosis for nerve problems.

During an ultrasound scan, a small device called a transducer is placed on the skin over the area to be examined. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that travel through the body and bounce back when they encounter different tissues. The transducer then receives these reflected waves and converts them into electrical signals, which are processed by a computer to create images of the internal structures. The images can be displayed on a monitor or printed for further analysis.

Yes, ultrasound scans are generally considered safe for both the patient and the unborn baby (in the case of pregnancy scans). Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasound does not use ionising radiation, which can potentially harm living tissues. There are no known side effects or risks associated with ultrasound scans when performed by qualified healthcare professionals. However, it is essential to ensure that the scan is medically necessary and performed by a trained specialist.

There are several types of ultrasound scans, each designed for specific purposes:

Abdominal ultrasound: Used to examine organs in the abdomen, such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and kidneys.
Pelvic ultrasound: Used to assess the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic structures in women, or the prostate gland in men.
Pregnancy ultrasound: Used to monitor fetal development, confirm the due date, and detect potential complications.
Breast ultrasound: Used to evaluate breast lumps or abnormalities detected during a mammogram or physical exam.
Vascular ultrasound: Used to assess blood flow in arteries and veins and detect blockages or clots.