What is an elbow ultrasound?
An elbow ultrasound is a scan of the tendons, ligaments, nerves and joint around your elbow and forearm. It shows tennis and golfer’s elbow, tendon tears, bursitis, nerve compression and lumps, uses no radiation and lets the specialist watch your elbow move.
What does an elbow ultrasound show?
An elbow ultrasound examines the working parts of the joint:
- The common extensor and flexor tendons (tennis and golfer’s elbow)
- The biceps and triceps tendons
- The ulnar nerve at the inner elbow
- Joint fluid and the olecranon bursa
- Any lump or ganglion
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is pain on the outside of the elbow from overuse of the tendon that extends the wrist, common with gripping, typing and racquet sports, and not only in tennis players. Ultrasound shows the thickened, damaged tendon and any tear, which guides treatment.
What is golfer’s elbow?
Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) is pain on the inside of the elbow from overuse of the tendon that bends the wrist. It is common with lifting, gripping and throwing. Ultrasound confirms it and checks the nearby ulnar nerve.
How long does tennis elbow last?
Most cases settle within six months to a year with activity changes, physiotherapy and time. Ultrasound helps when it is not improving, by showing how damaged the tendon is and whether a guided injection or further treatment would help.
Will tennis elbow heal on its own, and do braces help?
Most tennis elbow does heal with time, typically six months to a year, especially if you reduce the activity that aggravates it and follow a loading exercise programme. A forearm strap can ease pain during activity for some people, but does not heal the tendon. If it is not improving, a scan shows how damaged the tendon is.
Can elbow pain come from the neck?
Yes. A trapped nerve in the neck can cause pain, tingling or weakness felt around the elbow and forearm. If the scan shows healthy elbow tendons and nerves, your specialist may suggest the neck as the source and recommend the right next step.
Why do my fingers tingle with elbow pain?
Tingling in the ring and little fingers can come from the ulnar nerve being squeezed at the inner elbow, called cubital tunnel syndrome. Ultrasound shows whether the nerve is swollen or moving out of its groove as you bend your arm.
I felt a pop at the front of my elbow. Should I worry?
A sudden pop with pain and bruising at the front of the elbow while lifting can be a torn biceps tendon. This is time-sensitive: a complete tear is best repaired within a few weeks, so it should be scanned promptly. Ultrasound shows whether the tendon is partly or completely torn.
What is olecranon bursitis?
It is swelling of the fluid-filled sac at the tip of the elbow, sometimes called student’s elbow, often after leaning on the elbow or a knock. Ultrasound confirms it and checks for infection. A hot, red, very painful elbow with fever needs same-day medical review.
When should I see a doctor for elbow pain?
See a doctor if elbow pain lasts more than a few weeks, stops you working or sleeping, comes with numbness or weakness in your hand, or follows a pop or injury. Go to A&E after a fall if the elbow is deformed, very swollen or you cannot move it.
Does an elbow ultrasound hurt?
No. The probe rests gently on the skin with warm gel. If the tendon is tender, the specialist presses carefully, and any movement is only as far as is comfortable.
How long does an elbow ultrasound take?
Around twenty minutes, including a short chat, the examination of the inner and outer elbow and the dynamic tests, and time to explain the findings.
How much does an elbow ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private elbow and forearm ultrasound costs £280, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and images. Same-day or next-day appointments are usually available.
What if you find something?
Your specialist tells you in the room, in plain English, and explains exactly what it means. You will never be sent home to wait for a letter. Most findings are benign and need nothing more than a sensible review date.
Anything that does need attention gets a clear, objective recommendation in your report: monitor, test further, or refer. Follow-up tests can usually be arranged at 99 Harley Street, often the same week, and those results are also explained to you personally.
Do I need a referral?
No. Harley Street Ultrasound is a private clinic, so you can book an elbow ultrasound in London directly online or by phone. No GP letter, no waiting list, and same-day or next-day appointments are usually available. If you are searching for an elbow ultrasound near me from anywhere in central London, we are at 99 Harley Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Circus stations.
If you are wondering how much a private elbow ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £280, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and your images. Insured patients should bring a referral or authorisation number if their policy requires one.
How soon will I have the written report?
Usually the same day: a Harley Street elbow ultrasound comes with same-day results as standard, and you will already know the findings, because they are explained to you on screen during the appointment.
The written report is prepared by the specialist team and published to your secure patient portal together with your images, with measurements and a clear recommendation, ready to share with your GP or specialist.
What happens after the scan?
Nothing special: there is no aftercare needed. You can eat, drive and go back to work straight away. Diagnostic ultrasound at these intensities has no confirmed adverse effects, which is why it can be repeated safely for monitoring. If your results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it before you leave.
Can I still use the NHS afterwards?
Yes: completely. Coming to us privately never affects your NHS care. Our job is to get you answers quickly; if anything needs urgent attention, your specialist writes to your NHS GP recommending an urgent appointment, so you re-enter the NHS pathway with a diagnosis already in hand rather than joining the queue from the start.
