Joints & Muscles Ultrasound, Cardiff & South Wales
Self-refer. Consultant-led. Immediate results explained at your appointment.
musculoskeletal scan
What's included for £260
- ✓Consultant Radiologist scan, with results explained immediately
- ✓Written report within 24-48 hours
- ✓Digital scan images
- ✓Onward referral if needed
- ✓No GP referral required
Musculoskeletal ultrasound
Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound looks at joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles in real time, with same-visit treatment options where they are appropriate.
Tendons
Tendinopathy, tears, calcifications, sheath fluid.
Ligaments
Acute sprains, chronic instability.
Joints
Effusions, synovitis, arthritis signs.
Muscles
Tears, haematomas, atrophy.
Nerves
Carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, neuromas.
Bursae
Inflammation, fluid, septation.
Soft tissue lumps
Cysts, lipomas, ganglia. For a lump on its own, see our lump & bump scan.
Dynamic assessment
Moving the joint during the scan, so problems that only appear under load are seen.
Scanning one specific area?
Every area below is the same £260. If you already know where the problem is, going straight to that page is quicker.
Injured playing sport? Our sports injury imaging page covers the same scans from a return-to-play angle.
Reasons to book an MSK scan
What MSK ultrasound is best for
For tendon, ligament and muscle problems, ultrasound is usually the first-line imaging test. It is also the only scan that can watch the tissue move while you move.
Rotator cuff tears
Shows tear size, position and the state of the surrounding tendons. See our shoulder & upper arm scan.
Tennis & golfer's elbow
First-line imaging test. Shows tendon thickening, tears and increased blood flow.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Measures swelling of the median nerve at the wrist and looks for other causes of compression. If surgery is on the cards, see carpal tunnel release.
Tendinopathy anywhere
Patellar, Achilles, hamstring origin and the rest.
Ganglion cysts
Wrist, knee and ankle, where they have a characteristic appearance.
Inflammatory arthritis
Synovitis and erosions in rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.
Many MSK findings can be treated with an ultrasound-guided injection in the same visit. See our injection therapy options. If the scan points to something surgical, we can refer you on within our orthopaedic clinic.
Preparation
How to prepare
No special prep. Just dress so we can access the body area easily.
If you have rheumatoid or similar inflammatory arthritis, let us know and we'll do a more thorough joint survey.
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 (30 mins)
You sit or lie so the consultant can reach the area. Warm gel goes on the skin, and you may be asked to move the joint or tense the muscle while the probe is on it.
Immediate results
Your consultant explains the findings as they scan and again at the end, so 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 price per body area. Scanning both sides of the same area in one appointment is £360, and so is combining two different areas.
Any one body area
- ✓Immediate results explained, plus written report in 24-48 hrs
- ✓Same-week appointment
- ✓No GP referral required
Both sides of one area
- ✓Left and right scanned in one appointment
- ✓Both shoulders, both knees, both hands and so on
- ✓Save £160 versus two separate scans
All prices include consultation, scan, written report, digital images and any onward referral if required. Injections are charged separately.
Our Penarth clinic
Patients travel to us from Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly, Swansea and the Vale.
Common questions about joints & muscles ultrasound
How much does a private MSK ultrasound cost?
£260 all-inclusive for any one body area. Both sides of the same area, or two different areas, in one appointment is £360. Any injection given on the day is charged separately.
What is MSK ultrasound?
Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a specialised scan of joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles and nerves. At Acorn it is performed by a Consultant Radiologist, both for diagnosis and for guiding treatment.
Ultrasound or MRI for a joint problem?
Ultrasound is fast, dynamic and well suited to tendons, ligaments, muscles and soft tissue lumps. MRI sees deeper joint structures that ultrasound cannot reach, such as the ACL, meniscus, labrum, cartilage and bone. Most soft tissue problems start with ultrasound, and we can arrange an MRI if more detail is needed.
Can I get an injection at the same time?
Yes. If it is appropriate, we offer same-visit cortisone, PRP, hyaluronic acid or barbotage. Injections are charged separately from the scan.
Do I need a GP referral?
No, you can self-refer and book online.
How quickly can I be seen?
Most appointments are available within 48-72 hours.
Is the scan painful?
No, it is gentle probe pressure with gel. The consultant may press a little harder over the tender spot to get a clear image.
How long does the scan take?
About 30 minutes per body area.
Is ultrasound safe?
Yes. It uses sound waves, not radiation, so there is no dose limit and it can be repeated as often as needed.
Will I get a written report?
Yes. You get immediate verbal results at the appointment, plus a written consultant report within 24-48 hours.
Can MSK ultrasound diagnose arthritis?
It detects synovitis (joint inflammation), effusions and erosions, which is useful in assessing and monitoring rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.
Where do I go?
Acorn Private Clinic at Penarth (CF64 2AD), 10 minutes from Cardiff.
Get the answers you need.
Self-refer for a private joint or muscle ultrasound. Consultant-led, same-week, with immediate results explained at your appointment and a written report within 24-48 hours. £260 all-inclusive.