Knee pain is the second most common musculoskeletal complaint after back pain, affecting people of all ages. The appropriate investigation depends on the location of the pain, the mechanism of injury, and the associated symptoms.
| Condition | Typical presentation |
|---|---|
| Patellar tendinopathy | Pain at the front of the knee, below the kneecap; common in runners and jumping athletes |
| Quadriceps tendinopathy/tear | Pain above the kneecap; weakness on straightening the knee |
| Iliotibial band syndrome | Pain on the outer aspect of the knee; common in runners |
| Baker's cyst | Swelling behind the knee; may rupture, causing calf pain and swelling that mimics DVT |
| Knee joint effusion | Swelling within the knee joint; may indicate meniscal tear, ligament injury, or inflammatory arthritis |
| Bursitis | Localised swelling and tenderness over a specific bursa (prepatellar, infrapatellar, or pes anserine) |
| Osteoarthritis | Diffuse aching pain; worse with activity; crepitus; loss of range of movement |
A knee ultrasound scan is appropriate when:
Note: Ultrasound is not the appropriate investigation for suspected meniscal tears or ligament injuries. These require MRI. If you have had a significant knee injury with instability, locking, or giving way, your GP should refer you for MRI.
A knee ultrasound at Sonoworld assesses:
Baker's cysts are a common incidental finding on knee ultrasound, but they become clinically important when they rupture. A ruptured Baker's cyst causes sudden calf pain and swelling that is clinically indistinguishable from a DVT. We regularly see patients who have been referred for a DVT scan after a ruptured Baker's cyst — the ultrasound confirms the diagnosis immediately, avoiding unnecessary anticoagulation treatment.
No. The scan is entirely painless.
Ultrasound has limited sensitivity for meniscal tears. MRI is the gold-standard investigation for suspected meniscal or ligament injuries. If your knee pain follows a significant injury with instability or locking, you should request an MRI referral from your GP.
No. You can book directly at Sonoworld without a GP referral.
Sonoworld is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Our sonographers are registered with HCPC and are members of BMUS. All scans are performed at our Marylebone clinic: 29 Weymouth Street, London W1G 7DB.
Same-day and next-day appointments available at our Marylebone clinic. Instant verbal results. Written report within 24 hours. No GP referral required.
Price: £235
Or call us on 020 7486 1991
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