Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursae, nerves, and joints. It is the first-line imaging investigation for most soft tissue musculoskeletal conditions and is recommended by the British Society of Skeletal Radiology (BSSR) as the preferred modality for tendon and bursal pathology.
At Sonoworld, our MSK ultrasound scans are performed by consultant sonographers with specialist training in musculoskeletal imaging. Appointments are available for all major joints: shoulder, knee, hip, ankle, elbow, wrist and hand, and foot.
| Structure | Conditions identified |
|---|---|
| Tendons | Tendinopathy, partial and full-thickness tears, calcific tendinopathy, tendon subluxation |
| Bursae | Bursitis (fluid distension and synovial thickening), impingement |
| Muscles | Muscle tears (grade I–III), haematoma, myositis |
| Ligaments | Sprains (partial tears) and complete tears of collateral ligaments |
| Joints | Joint effusion, synovial thickening, osteophytes, loose bodies |
| Nerves | Carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve enlargement), Morton's neuroma, nerve entrapment |
| Soft tissue masses | Ganglion cysts, lipomas, Baker's cysts, foreign bodies |
MSK ultrasound offers several advantages over MRI for soft tissue assessment:
MRI remains superior for assessing bone marrow pathology, labral tears, and spinal conditions. For most soft tissue MSK presentations, ultrasound is the appropriate first-line investigation.
One of the most clinically valuable applications of MSK ultrasound is its use to guide injections and aspirations. Ultrasound guidance ensures the needle is placed accurately in the target structure — the joint, bursa, or tendon sheath — rather than relying on anatomical landmarks alone.
Studies consistently show that ultrasound-guided injections are more accurate and more effective than landmark-guided injections. A 2021 systematic review found that ultrasound guidance improved injection accuracy by 30–40% compared with landmark-guided technique for shoulder injections.
At Sonoworld, ultrasound-guided cortisone injections are available for all major joints and bursae. The scan and injection are performed in the same appointment.
The most common reason patients come to us for a second opinion MSK scan is a previous injection that did not work. In the majority of these cases, the original injection was performed using anatomical landmark guidance — a technique that relies on the clinician's estimate of where the target structure lies, rather than direct visualisation. When we rescan these patients, we frequently find that the injection was placed adjacent to, but not within, the target structure. Ultrasound guidance eliminates this uncertainty.
We scan all major joints: shoulder, knee, hip, ankle, elbow, wrist, hand, and foot. See our MSK appointments page for the full list.
No. You can book directly at Sonoworld without a GP referral.
Yes. Ultrasound-guided injections are available at Sonoworld and can be performed in the same appointment as the diagnostic scan.
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: from £235
Or call us on 020 7486 1991
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