Elbow & Forearm Ultrasound, Cardiff & South Wales
Self-refer. Consultant-led. Results explained at your appointment.
elbow & forearm scan
What's included
- ✓Consultant Radiologist scan, with findings explained as they go
- ✓Written report within 24-48 hours
- ✓Digital scan images
- ✓Onward referral if needed
- ✓No GP referral required
Elbow & forearm structures
Dynamic ultrasound of the tendons, ligaments and nerves around the elbow. It is the first-line test for tennis and golfer's elbow, and it shows the tendon moving rather than a single frozen image.
Common extensor tendon
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis).
Common flexor tendon
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis).
Distal biceps tendon
Tears and partial detachment.
Triceps tendon
Tendinopathy and partial tears.
Ulnar nerve
Cubital tunnel syndrome at the elbow.
Radial nerve
Compression in the forearm.
Elbow joint
Effusion, synovitis, loose bodies.
Bursae
Olecranon bursitis, or student's elbow.
Common reasons to book this scan
What we can identify
Ultrasound is the first-line imaging test for tennis and golfer's elbow, and it shows the tendon in real time.
Tennis elbow
Thickened common extensor tendon, tears and calcification.
Golfer's elbow
Thickened common flexor tendon at the medial epicondyle.
Cubital tunnel syndrome
An enlarged or unstable ulnar nerve at the elbow.
Distal biceps rupture
Partial or complete, which drives the surgical decision.
Olecranon bursitis
Swelling at the point of the elbow. Any unexplained lump can be characterised too.
Joint effusion
Fluid in the joint, with signs of inflammation or arthritis.
If tennis or golfer's elbow is confirmed, we can offer an ultrasound-guided injection or PRP in the same visit. If the pain is coming from higher up the arm, see our shoulder and upper arm scan.
Preparation
How to prepare
No special preparation. We just need full access to the elbow and upper forearm, and enough room to move the joint while scanning.
If the elbow is too painful to bend, that is fine. We work in whatever position is comfortable for you.
Your appointment, step by step
Arrive
Free street parking at Penarth, and a 5-minute walk from Penarth railway station.
Meet your consultant
A short chat about your symptoms, what aggravates them and how long they have been going on. Ask anything you like.
The scan (30 mins)
You sit with the arm rested on a couch or table. Warm gel goes on the elbow, and the consultant scans it from several angles, bending and straightening the joint to watch the tendons move.
Results on the day
The consultant explains the findings while scanning and again at the end, so you leave knowing what is going on. The 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 price for one elbow. If both elbows need looking at, we scan them in the same appointment for £360.
Elbow & Forearm Ultrasound
- ✓One side £260, both sides £360
- ✓Results explained on the day, written report in 24-48 hrs
- ✓Same-week appointment
- ✓No GP referral required
2 area scan
- ✓Two body areas in one appointment
- ✓e.g. elbow plus shoulder, wrist or hand
- ✓Save £160 vs two separate scans
- ✓Same-week appointment
3 area scan
- ✓Three body areas in one appointment
- ✓Add which areas in your booking notes
- ✓Save £381 vs three separate scans
- ✓Same-week appointment
Booking a two or three-area scan? Please add which areas you'd like scanned in your booking notes. Not all practitioners scan every area, so our reception may call to confirm and make sure the right consultant is on for your appointment.
All prices include consultation, scan, written report, digital images and any onward referral if required.
Our Penarth clinic
Patients travel to us from Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly, Swansea and the Vale.
Common questions about elbow & forearm ultrasound
How much does a private elbow ultrasound cost?
£260 for one side, £360 for both sides in the same appointment.
Can ultrasound diagnose tennis elbow?
Yes. Ultrasound is the first-line imaging test for tennis elbow. We see thickening of the common extensor tendon, any tears within it, and calcification.
Ultrasound or MRI for the elbow?
Ultrasound is excellent for tendon problems and matches MRI for tennis and golfer's elbow, with the advantage that we can move the joint while scanning. MRI is better for problems inside the joint and in the bone.
Can I get treatment at the same visit?
Often yes. We offer ultrasound-guided cortisone injection, PRP and barbotage for many elbow problems. See injection therapy.
How long does the scan take?
About 30 minutes per side.
Do I need a referral?
No, this is a self-referral scan. You can book online.
Is the scan painful?
No. It is a probe with warm gel, and we work around the tender spot.
How quickly can I be seen?
Most appointments are within 48-72 hours.
Is ultrasound safe?
Yes. There is no radiation involved.
Will I get a written report?
Yes. The findings are explained at your appointment, and a written consultant report follows within 24-48 hours.
My elbow has been painful for years. Is it too late?
Not at all. Long-standing tendon problems often respond to PRP injection or barbotage, and the scan tells us what state the tendon is in before you commit to anything.
Where do I go?
Acorn Private Clinic at Penarth (CF64 2AD), 10 minutes from Cardiff city centre.
Get the answers you need.
Self-refer for a private elbow and forearm ultrasound. Consultant-led, same-week, with results explained at your appointment and a written report within 24-48 hours. £260 all-inclusive.