Elbow Ultrasound scans
An elbow ultrasound scan is a highly effective way to diagnose the cause of elbow pain, stiffness, or swelling. It provides a real-time, high-resolution view of the tendons, ligaments, bursae, and soft tissues around the elbow, allowing accurate identification of conditions that may not be visible on X-ray. Dynamic scanning also helps assess movement-related irritation or instability.
Ultrasound is particularly useful for patients with:
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
Pain gripping, lifting, or twisting
Suspected tendon tears
Swelling or lumps around the elbow
Post-injury pain or reduced strength
Triceps or biceps tendon pain
Persistent discomfort despite physiotherapy
What an Elbow Ultrasound Can Show
Common Extensor Tendon (Tennis Elbow)
Tendinopathy, fibre disruption, thickening, and degenerative changes at the lateral epicondyle.
Common Flexor Tendon (Golfer’s Elbow)
Signs of tendinopathy, inflammation, or partial tearing at the medial epicondyle.
Distal Biceps Tendon
Tendinopathy, partial tears, or post-injury changes.
Triceps Tendon
Tendinopathy, enthesopathy, or partial-thickness tears.
Ulnar Nerve
Swelling, compression, irritation, or subluxation during dynamic movement.
Radial Nerve Area
Assessment for nerve irritation, entrapment, or soft-tissue changes.
Elbow Joint Effusions & Synovitis
Fluid, thickened synovium, or inflammatory activity.
Olecranon Bursa
Bursitis, swelling, or inflammation around the back of the elbow.
Soft Tissue Masses
Ganglion cysts, lipomas, or other superficial lumps.
Dynamic Assessment
Real-time assessment during movement allows identification of tendon friction, nerve subluxation, or painful mechanical changes.
Ultrasound provides immediate answers, helping to confirm the diagnosis and guide the right treatment plan.
Who This Scan Helps
This scan is ideal if you are experiencing:
Pain gripping or lifting objects
Pain on the inside or outside of the elbow
Pain during sport, gym, or manual work
Swelling or a lump around the elbow
Clicking, catching, or nerve-type symptoms
Pain following a fall or sudden strain
Ongoing symptoms despite physiotherapy
Difficulty returning to normal activity or training
Immediate Results + Treatment Options
You will receive:
A verbal explanation of the findings during the scan
A full written report with images
A discussion of treatment options, which may include:
Targeted physiotherapy and strengthening
Exercise-based rehabilitation and load modification
Ultrasound-guided steroid injection (if appropriate)
Shockwave therapy for chronic tendinopathy
Bracing or activity modification advice
Referral for MRI or specialist review if required