Knee Ultrasound Scan, Cardiff & South Wales
Self-refer. Consultant-led. Immediate results explained at your appointment.
knee ultrasound
What's included for £260
- ✓Consultant Radiologist scan — results explained immediately
- ✓Written report within 24-48 hours
- ✓Digital scan images
- ✓Onward referral if needed
- ✓No GP referral required
The full knee
A comprehensive scan of all the soft tissues around the knee — ligaments, tendons, and the joint itself.
Quadriceps tendon
Tears, tendinopathy, calcifications.
Patellar tendon
Jumper's knee, partial & complete tears.
Medial collateral ligament
Sprains, tears, chronic thickening.
Lateral collateral ligament
Sprains, tears, instability.
Bursae
Pre-patellar, infra-patellar, semimembranosus.
Joint effusion
Excess fluid in the joint capsule.
Baker's cyst
Posterior knee swelling, ruptures.
Meniscus (limited view - MRI is preferred)
Surface tears where visible.
If you have any of these, a knee scan can help
What a knee ultrasound can identify
Ultrasound is excellent for assessing soft tissues around the knee — tendons, ligaments, bursae and joint fluid. For deep ligament tears or full meniscal assessment, MRI may follow.
Tendon injury
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee), quadriceps tendon issues.
Ligament sprains
MCL/LCL sprains and tears with dynamic stress testing.
Bursitis
Pre-patellar bursitis ('housemaid's knee'), pes anserine bursitis.
Joint effusion
Fluid build-up suggesting arthritis, gout, or injury.
Baker's cyst
Common cause of behind-the-knee swelling.
Arthritis signs
Osteophytes, joint capsule changes.
Ultrasound can guide a same-visit cortisone injection if your consultant recommends one.
Preparation
How to prepare for your knee ultrasound
No fasting, no full bladder. Just turn up wearing something that lets us examine the knee easily.
If you can't straighten your knee fully, that's fine — let the consultant know on arrival.
Your appointment, step by step
Arrive
Free parking at Penarth. 5-minute walk from Penarth railway station.
Meet your consultant
Brief chat about your symptoms and history. Ask any questions.
The scan (20-30 mins)
Lie on your back, warm gel applied to your abdomen. Consultant explains findings as they scan.
Immediate results
Your consultant explains the findings as they scan and again at the end — you leave knowing what's going on. Written report follows within 24-48 hours.
Had been waiting ages on the NHS to get a scan… so when I saw this service available on the high street I was surprised. Scan was organised for the same week, totally worth it. Actually got a diagnosis for once. Dr Junaid was very thorough and explained everything.
Transparent, all-inclusive
One simple price for a single-area scan. Combine with other scans in the same appointment for better value.
Knee Ultrasound Scan
- ✓Immediate results explained & written report in 24-48 hrs
- ✓Same-week appointment
- ✓No GP referral required
Bundle with another area
- ✓Two body areas in one appointment
- ✓Common combos available at booking
- ✓Save £160 vs two separate scans
All prices include consultation, scan, written report, digital images and any onward referral if required.
See what an abdomen ultrasound involves
Our patient information video walks you through how to prepare, what happens during the scan and what to expect afterwards. About 2 minutes long.
The playlist includes videos for Abdomen, Pelvis, Testicular, Neck, Lump, DVT, Groin and Steroid injections.
Our Penarth clinic
Patients travel to us from Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly, Swansea and the Vale.
Common questions about knee ultrasound scan
How much does a private knee ultrasound cost in Cardiff?
A single knee ultrasound at Acorn Private Clinic costs £260 all-inclusive. Both knees in the same appointment is £360 (save £160).
Do I need a GP referral?
No — knee ultrasound is self-refer. Most patients book online directly.
How quickly can I get a knee scan?
Most appointments available within 48-72 hours. Same-day slots sometimes available — call 029 2199 9300.
What does a knee ultrasound show?
Tendons (quadriceps, patellar), ligaments (MCL, LCL), bursae, joint effusion, Baker's cysts and surface meniscal damage. It's excellent for soft-tissue diagnosis.
Ultrasound vs MRI for the knee — which is better?
Ultrasound is best for tendon/ligament soft-tissue problems and is dynamic (we move the knee). MRI is better for full meniscal tears, deep ligament tears (ACL/PCL) and bone changes. Many patients start with ultrasound; if more detail is needed we can advise on our private MRI.
How long does the scan take?
Around 20-30 minutes per knee plus consultation. Allow about 45 minutes for the full visit.
Do I need to prepare?
No special preparation. Just wear loose clothing or shorts. Eat and drink normally. Take usual medications.
Is ultrasound safe?
Yes — uses sound waves, no radiation. Safe for all ages.
Can I get a steroid injection at the same time?
Often yes. If your consultant identifies an injectable problem (tendinopathy, bursitis, joint inflammation) they can perform an ultrasound-guided injection in the same visit. Injection prices on our injection therapy page.
Will I get a written report?
Yes — immediate verbal results explained at the appointment, plus a full written consultant report within 24-48 hours.
Where can I get a private knee ultrasound near Cardiff?
Acorn Private Clinic at Penarth (CF64 2AD) — 10 minutes from Cardiff city centre. Free parking on site.
Can I claim a knee ultrasound on health insurance?
Most UK insurers (Bupa, AXA, Vitality, WPA) cover diagnostic knee ultrasound. Check with your insurer for an authorisation code.
Get the answers you need.
Self-refer for a private abdomen ultrasound — consultant-led, same-week, with immediate results explained at your appointment and a written report within 24-48 hours. £260 all-inclusive.