Why might my child need a shoulder ultrasound?
For shoulder pain in a young athlete, pain with overhead sports such as swimming, throwing or tennis, a swollen shoulder, a lump around the shoulder, or pain that is not settling after an injury.
When does my child need urgent care instead?
Go to A&E if your child has fallen and the shoulder or collarbone is very painful, swollen or deformed, the arm cannot be moved, or the shoulder looks out of place. Collarbone fractures and dislocations need an X-ray. A hot, swollen joint with fever also needs urgent assessment.
Why does my child have shoulder pain after sport?
In active children, shoulder pain is most often from overuse: strain on the growing area at the top of the arm bone (sometimes called little league shoulder), irritated tendons or tight muscles. Rest from the aggravating sport and physiotherapy usually help. Ultrasound shows the tendons and any swelling.
What is little league shoulder?
Little league shoulder is pain at the top of the upper arm in children who throw, swim or play racquet sports, caused by stress on the growth plate. It needs rest from throwing and a gradual return. An X-ray shows the growth plate; ultrasound helps assess the tendons and soft tissues.
Can children tear their rotator cuff?
It is uncommon. Children’s tendons are strong, and injuries more often affect the growth plates. Rotator cuff irritation can happen in older children and teenagers who do a lot of overhead sport, and ultrasound shows the tendons clearly.
What does the scan check for?
A child shoulder ultrasound examines:
- The rotator cuff and biceps tendons
- Fluid or inflammation in and around the joint
- The soft tissues and bursa
- Any lump or swelling
Why ultrasound for a child’s shoulder 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 at all. Your specialist will tell you if an X-ray or MRI is needed as well.
Is a child shoulder 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 shoulder 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 shoulder ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private child shoulder 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 shoulder 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 shoulder 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 shoulder 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 shoulder 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.
