About this procedure
Musculoskeletal ultrasound visualises accessible tendons, muscles, ligaments, joint surfaces, some nerves and superficial soft-tissue structures without ionising radiation.
What the examination or consultation can show
Dynamic scanning allows the clinician to examine tendon movement and look for fluid, swelling, thickening or selected injuries. Whether it is useful depends on the location of the pain and the suspected structure.
When an assessment may help
The test may help with a swollen joint, suspected tendon inflammation, a muscle injury, symptoms after overuse or a superficial lump. Assessment of the carpal tunnel or selected peripheral nerves may be appropriate in certain cases.
Important limitations and differences
Ultrasound cannot see through bone and may not adequately show deep joint cartilage, bone marrow, complex meniscus injuries or all intra-articular structures. MRI or another method may be required.
Preparation and procedure
The transducer moves over the symptomatic area while you may be asked to flex a joint, tense a muscle or change position. Special preparation is uncommon; expose the affected area and bring previous scans or injury documentation.
Next steps and follow-up
Imaging alone is not a diagnosis or therapy. Decisions about rehabilitation, medication, procedures or additional imaging are based on the examination and clinical goals. An isolated ultrasound finding may not explain every symptom.
When to seek urgent care
Severe pain after trauma with visible deformity, loss of circulation, new profound weakness, or a hot swollen joint with fever needs urgent examination. Call 103 for a suspected emergency rather than waiting for imaging.
Related health information
Arterial ultrasound of the limbs; Numbness and tingling in the limbs; Vein ultrasound of the limbs.
Signs and symptoms
Diagnosis and tests
Care and treatment approaches
When to seek urgent care
Frequently asked questions
Can ultrasound show a torn tendon?
It can detect many tendon injuries, but accuracy varies by tendon and location. Some injuries require another imaging method.
Can ultrasound replace an MRI of a joint?
Not always. MRI gives information about deeper or internal joint structures that ultrasound cannot fully show.
Do I need to prepare?
Usually no special preparation is needed; you should be able to expose the joint or soft-tissue area.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
