Concierge imaging · London
Private MSK ultrasound in London, performed by an MSK radiologist.
A dynamic, radiation-free scan of tendons, muscles, ligaments and joints — often faster than MRI for surface soft-tissue questions, and enables same-visit guided injections.
Why patients choose us
- 01
The right hands
We pick the operator, not just the clinic — with MSK ultrasound that is what decides the answer.
- 02
Often answers same-day
Findings can frequently be discussed immediately, with the written report to follow.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private MSK ultrasound costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A single-joint MSK ultrasound in our network: £180–£400, with findings often the same visit.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-joint MSK ultrasound | £180–£400 | 20–30 min | Same visit |
| MSK ultrasound + report by MSK radiologist | £300–£600 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
| Guided joint injection (steroid) | £350–£700 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
| Guided soft-tissue injection | £300–£600 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
| Dynamic MSK ultrasound (movement) | £250–£500 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
| Second-opinion MSK ultrasound | £250–£450 | Report only | 24–48 hrs |
Prices vary by clinic, joint scanned, whether dynamic imaging is added, and whether a guided injection is performed. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
MSK ultrasound is only as good as the person doing it.
The same probe in different hands gives very different answers. MSK ultrasound is real-time and highly operator-dependent — a consultant MSK radiologist is not the same as a general sonographer. We choose the operator, not just the clinic.
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Not sure which scan?
Tell us the joint and symptom — we match the right scan and the right operator.
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Want it done quickly?
MSK ultrasound is fast, and findings can often be discussed on the day.
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Need an injection too?
Many partners offer same-visit guided steroid or hyaluronic injections.
The journey
From enquiry to report — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to report — often within days.
Phase 1 · Before your scan
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~30 minutes at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, timeline, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: which joint to scan, which clinic, indicative price. If a scan is not the right step, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Often same or next day, including evenings and Saturdays. Insurer pre-authorisation handled.
- 04
On the day
Arrival and preparation
No fasting or special prep. Wear loose clothing near the joint being scanned.
- 05
On the day
The scan itself
20–45 minutes. Warm gel and a high-resolution probe — painless, quiet, with dynamic testing as you move the joint.
- 06
On the day
Straight home
No recovery time unless a guided injection was performed — full activity within 24–48 hours.
- 07
After
Report and next steps
A written report usually within 48 hours. We route it to your GP or specialist.
Typical end-to-end: 3–7 days. Urgent cases: same day.
What it shows
Find the scan that matches the symptom.
MSK ultrasound answers a wide range of soft-tissue questions quickly and safely. These are the ones we arrange most.
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Tendon tears
Partial and full-thickness tears of rotator cuff, Achilles, patellar and other tendons.
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Muscle tears (grade I–III)
Graded by fibre disruption — from strain to complete tear with retraction.
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Ligament injury
Sprains and tears of accessible ligaments — ankle, wrist, MCL and more.
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Joint effusion
Fluid inside a joint — infection, inflammation or bleeding investigated further.
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Bursitis
Inflamed bursae in shoulder, hip and knee — often amenable to guided injection.
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Nerve entrapment (median, ulnar, tibial)
Carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel and tarsal tunnel syndromes assessed in real time.
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Ganglion / Baker’s cyst
Well-defined fluid-filled cysts characterised and, if wanted, aspirated under guidance.
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Red flag (severe swelling with fever — see GP)
A hot, swollen joint with fever needs urgent GP or A&E review, not an outpatient scan.
MSK ultrasound types
Not all MSK ultrasound scans are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Shoulder MSK ultrasound
Rotator cuff, biceps tendon, subacromial bursa — dynamic testing as you move the arm.
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Hip MSK ultrasound
Gluteal tendons, iliopsoas, trochanteric bursa and hip effusion.
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Knee MSK ultrasound
Patellar and quadriceps tendons, collateral ligaments, Baker’s cyst and effusion.
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Wrist MSK ultrasound
Median nerve at the carpal tunnel, tendons and ganglion cysts.
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Ankle/foot MSK ultrasound
Achilles and peroneal tendons, plantar fascia and Morton’s neuroma.
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Dynamic ultrasound (movement testing)
The advantage over MRI — snapping tendons and impingement caught in motion.
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Ultrasound-guided injection
Steroid or hyaluronic acid placed precisely into joint, bursa or tendon sheath.
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Nerve ultrasound (median, ulnar)
Nerve calibre and entrapment assessed at carpal and cubital tunnels.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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CQC-registered, with a current good or outstanding rating
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MSK radiologists or specialist sonographers
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High-resolution modern ultrasound (18–22 MHz)
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Same-visit guided injections
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
MSK ultrasound is exceptionally safe — the practical points are what it can and cannot see, and any injection consented on the day.
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No radiation
MSK ultrasound uses sound waves — no ionising radiation, safe for repeat scans.
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Painless (probe on skin)
A handheld probe with warm gel glides over the skin. Most people feel nothing beyond gentle pressure.
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No injection unless guided procedure
A diagnostic MSK ultrasound involves no needles. Injections are only given if you have booked one.
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Possible mild bruising if injected
Guided injections may leave a small bruise or ache for 24–48 hours at the entry site.
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Pregnancy safe
Ultrasound is the standard imaging test in pregnancy and can be used for MSK questions too.
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Children can be scanned
MSK ultrasound is well-tolerated by children and often preferred over MRI for younger patients.
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Dressings may need removing
Bandages or splints covering the area of interest will need to come off for the scan.
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Steroid injection risks discussed on the day
Skin thinning, temporary flare and, rarely, infection — the radiologist consents you before injecting.
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Reserve for the right question — MRI still needed sometimes
Ultrasound excels for surface soft-tissue. Deep, joint-internal or bone questions often need MRI.
Reading your report
An MSK ultrasound report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
Whatever joint is scanned, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your doctor, not for you — and that is normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Your details and the question
Your details, the joint scanned, and the clinical question behind the referral.
- 02 Technique
Transducer used, dynamic manoeuvres
Which transducer frequency was used and what movements were tested during the scan.
- 03 Findings
Structure-by-structure
A methodical description of each tendon, ligament, bursa and joint recess examined.
- 04 Impression
Read first
The conclusion in brief — read this first. Your specialist discusses it in context.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about MSK ultrasound.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, dynamic imaging, injections and results.
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MSK ultrasound vs MRI — which do I need?
Ultrasound wins for surface soft-tissue questions (rotator cuff, Achilles, ganglion, nerve entrapment) and enables same-visit guided injections. MRI wins for deep joint structures, cartilage, bone and ligaments inside the knee. We advise which fits your question.
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How much does a private MSK ultrasound cost in London?
A single-joint MSK ultrasound is typically £180–£400 in our network. A scan reported by a consultant MSK radiologist is £300–£600. Guided injections cost £300–£700 depending on target.
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Do I need a referral?
Most MSK ultrasound scans accept self-referral. A referral is usually needed for a guided steroid injection — we can arrange a fast-track private GP if you do not have one.
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What is dynamic imaging?
The scan is repeated as you move the joint, so snapping tendons, impingement and instability show up in real time — something a static MRI cannot capture.
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Can I have a guided injection at the same appointment?
Often yes. If the diagnostic scan confirms a target amenable to injection and you have consented in advance, many of our partners will inject in the same visit.
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Will the scan hurt?
The diagnostic scan is painless — just warm gel and a probe. A guided injection involves a needle; local anaesthetic is usually used and most patients tolerate it very well.
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Is MSK ultrasound safe in pregnancy?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation, which is why it is the standard scan in pregnancy and safe for MSK questions at any stage.
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How quickly will I get my results?
Findings are often discussed on the day. A formal written report from the MSK radiologist or sonographer usually follows within 24–48 hours.
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What are the limitations of MSK ultrasound?
It cannot see through bone, so structures inside a joint (meniscus, cruciate ligaments, articular cartilage, bone marrow) are better assessed with MRI. Deep hip structures can also be difficult in larger patients.
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When should I see my GP instead?
A hot, swollen joint with fever, sudden weakness, or trauma with deformity needs urgent GP or A&E review — not an outpatient scan.
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