Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

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Midland Health offers reliable private diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound scan services delivered by a team of experienced consultant sonographers and radiographers. Using the latest ultrasound equipment provided in our Birmingham clinic, we perform MSK scans to accurately diagnose a range of musculoskeletal problems, including tears, sprains, tumours and cysts.

The procedure is non-invasive, painless and risk-free. The ultrasound machine utilises high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the soft tissue, muscles, nerves, joints and ligaments in the problem area in real time. Due to the dynamic nature of ultrasound imaging, our specialists also apply this technology to the administration of ultrasound-guided injections, including in the context of pain management therapy. 

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Booking your appointment for an MSK ultrasound at Midland Health can be done on short notice so you won’t have to worry about long waiting lists. Also, with results typically available on the day of the scan, our GPs will be able to advise you on your diagnosis and start a treatment plan as soon as possible.

What problems can be diagnosed with an MSK scan?

Musculoskeletal ultrasound can be used to examine various parts of the body, including the hips, shoulders, feet, knees, ankles and spine etc). The experienced team of consultant radiologists and sonographers at Midland Health regularly perform ultrasound examinations to help diagnose a variety of health issues such as: 

  • Muscle tears and fluid retention
  • Ligament tears and sprains
  • Tendon problems (e.g. Rotator Cuff tears and Achilles Tendon sprains) 
  • Inflammation of the joints 
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Trapped or pinched nerves
  • Soft tissue tumours
  • Ganglion cysts
  • Foreign bodies (grass, splinter)
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

These are some of the most common examples of musculoskeletal problems that can be identified with an ultrasound scan. Speak to your Midland Health GP for more information and guidance on the issues you are experiencing and whether an MSK ultrasound is a suitable option for you. 

What to expect from your MSK scan

The musculoskeletal ultrasound is a safe and pain-free procedure that usually lasts no longer than 30 minutes. Your Midland Health GP will explain all the details when they recommend the scan and you will have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you need to feel confident. Below, we will describe what to expect from the ultrasound examination to help put your mind at ease.

Before the procedure

Upon arrival at the Midland Health clinic in Birmingham for your musculoskeletal ultrasound appointment, you will be created by our friendly team who will check your identification before inviting you to one of our special examination rooms. 

Once you are in, you will meet your sonographer. You will ask you to either loosen or remove your clothing or to remove clothing, drapes and coverings will be used to preserve dignity.  When you are ready, you will be asked to lie down, either face up or face down, depending on the area of the body that will be examined. The lights in the room will be dimmed before the scan commences to ensure the image is clearly visible on the screen. 

During the procedure

The MSK ultrasound scan is performed using standard ultrasound equipment, including a computer, a monitor and a hand-held device called a transducer. The sonographer will place clear, water-based gel on your skin before running the transducer across the target area. 

As the ultrasound transducer uses high-frequency sound waves, the noise will be inaudible. The sound will travel through the soft tissue in your body all the way to your musculoskeletal system and back, feeding information to the computer. This happens instantly and a real-time ultrasound image appears on the video screen. 

You may experience a cold sensation when the gel is applied at the start and you may feel the pressure being applied as the transducer touches your skin. However, this usually causes little to no discomfort, resulting in a completely pain-free experience. 

After the procedure

At the end of the scan, you will be given privacy to clean up the gel and get dressed. Once you are ready, our expert will talk to you about your MSK ultrasound and will explain when you will receive your full results. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and you will be allowed to go home as soon as you are satisfied with all the information you’ve been given. 

Occasionally, an ultrasound-guided injection will be required. As a local anaesthetic is used during the procedure, you would not be allowed to drive in the hours following your appointment. If you will have to have an injection, your Midland Health GP will tell you everything you need to know before your musculoskeletal ultrasound examination so you can make arrangements for your safe return home. 

Why choose Midland Health

When you are under the care of the Midland Health team, you will have immediate access to experts in the field, from our trained sonographers and radiologists to our specialist doctors. Our team will be there to support you and make you feel comfortable and relaxed even when faced with complex medical issues. We put your health first and we provide: 

  • Team of experienced ultrasound specialists 
  • Examinations available on short notice
  • MSK ultrasound results available the same day 
  • Modern musculoskeletal ultrasound equipment
  • State-of-the-art private clinic in Birmingham
  • Outstanding customer service

Prices

MSK scans one area

£299

US Guided Joint Injection

£475*

*From £475
By a Consultant MSK Radiologist

To book your appointment please contact the Midland Health team at hello@midlandhealth.co.uk or on 0121 769 0999. Alternatively, you can use the form below.

FAQ

Do I need to prepare for my musculoskeletal ultrasound exam?

Generally, a musculoskeletal ultrasound doesn’t require any special preparation. The only thing to keep in mind is that you should wear loose clothing and remove any jewellery in the area that will be examined.

Sometimes an injection is required when performing the ultrasound which means that you wouldn’t be allowed to drive immediately after. If this is the case, your doctor will advise you in advance so you can arrange alternative transportation on the way back.

What are the benefits of musculoskeletal ultrasound?

The musculoskeletal ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive procedure that can be performed quickly and safely. It offers a fast, effective and cost-efficient way to diagnose and assess a variety of musculoskeletal problems.

When will I receive my MSK ultrasound results?

The results from your ultrasound examination are usually available on the same day. Your doctor will follow up with you to explain the results and discuss the next steps in your treatment plan.

What are the benefits of an MSK ultrasound?

An ultrasound scan is an inexpensive and painless procedure that has no known side effects. It doesn’t use radiation or magnetic waves so it’s safe for people with pacemakers and metal implants.

Also, as the ultrasound captures images of your musculoskeletal system in real time, it can be used to visualise the movement of a joint or a tendon.

Are there any risks I should know about?

No, the ultrasound scanning procedure is considered to be completely safe and there are no known harmful effects.

When is an ultrasound not recommended for diagnosing musculoskeletal problems?

Ultrasound waves can’t penetrate deep into the bone and joints. The ultrasound machine can only offer imaging of the bony cortex, so sometimes your doctor may recommend an MRI scan instead.

If the patient is overweight, the exam may not be as effective due to the large amount of soft tissue the sound needs to travel through.

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