Why might my child need an elbow ultrasound?
For elbow pain or swelling that is not settling, pain on the inner elbow in young throwers, gymnasts or racquet players, a lump around the elbow, or a stiff elbow without a clear cause. Ultrasound shows fluid, tendons and soft tissues without radiation.
When does my child need urgent care instead?
Go to A&E if your child has fallen on an outstretched arm and the elbow is very painful, swollen or deformed, or they will not move it. Elbow fractures are common in children and need an X-ray. A hot, red, swollen joint with fever also needs urgent assessment.
How can I tell if my child’s elbow is broken or sprained?
You often cannot tell by looking. After a fall, an elbow that is very swollen, bruised, misshapen or that your child will not move needs an X-ray in A&E or a minor injuries unit, because elbow fractures are common in children. Ultrasound is useful later for ongoing pain, swelling or stiffness once a fracture has been ruled out.
Can children get growing pains in the elbow?
Growing pains usually affect the legs, not the arms. Ongoing elbow pain in an active child is more often caused by strain on the growth area around the elbow from throwing, gymnastics or racquet sports. Pain with swelling, stiffness or a limp-like reluctance to use the arm should be checked.
What is a pulled elbow?
A pulled elbow, sometimes called nursemaid’s elbow, happens in toddlers when the arm is pulled or swung, and a small ligament slips. The child holds the arm still and will not use it. It is usually diagnosed and put back by a doctor in minutes, without a scan. See your GP, a minor injuries unit or A&E.
Why does my child have pain on the inside of the elbow?
Inner elbow pain in active children, especially those who throw, swim or do gymnastics, is often caused by strain on the growth area where forearm muscles attach. It is sometimes called little league elbow. Ultrasound can show swelling there and assess the tendons, and rest from the aggravating sport usually helps.
Why ultrasound for a child’s elbow rather than X-ray?
They answer different questions. X-ray shows bone and is needed for suspected fractures; ultrasound shows fluid, tendons, soft tissues and the cartilage of a growing joint, with no radiation. Fluid in the elbow joint after an injury can be a sign of a hidden fracture, in which case your specialist will recommend an X-ray.
What does the scan check for?
A child elbow ultrasound examines:
- Fluid or inflamed lining in the elbow joint
- The tendons and muscle attachments on both sides
- The soft tissues and nerves around the elbow
- Any lump, such as a ganglion or cyst
Can ultrasound find a lump on my child’s elbow?
Yes. Lumps around the elbow in children are usually benign, such as a ganglion, a cyst, a swollen bursa or a lymph node. Ultrasound shows which, and whether anything needs follow-up.
Is a child elbow ultrasound safe for my child?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and needs no needles or sedation. It is the recommended first test for many childhood lumps and joint problems precisely because it is so gentle, and it can be repeated safely whenever follow-up is needed.
How long does a child elbow ultrasound take?
The scan itself usually takes ten to twenty minutes. Allow around half an hour for the appointment, so there is time to settle your child and talk through the results.
How should I prepare my child for the scan?
No special preparation is needed: your child can eat and drink as normal. Explain simply that the scan uses a little cold jelly and a camera that does not hurt, dress them in clothes that are easy to lift or roll up, and bring a favourite toy or tablet if it helps.
When will we get the results?
You will know the findings before you leave, because the specialist explains them during the appointment. The written report is usually on your secure patient portal the same day, ready to share with your GP or paediatrician.
How much does a private child elbow ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private child elbow ultrasound costs £350, all fees inclusive: the scan, the specialist’s time and your written report. Same-day or next-day appointments are usually available, with the results explained before you leave.
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 a child 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 a child 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 child elbow ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £350, 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 child 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. Your child can feed, eat, play and go back to nursery or school straight away. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, so it can be repeated safely whenever follow-up is needed. If the results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it to you 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.
