sharp_eye If you are having an Ultrasound Scan in London, you can usually expect a straightforward, non-invasive examination. A trained clinician applies gel to the skin and moves a handheld probe over the area being examined. The probe sends high-frequency sound waves into the body, creating real-time images on a monitor. Depending on the area being scanned, the appointment may also include a clinical assessment, different body positions or simple movements to improve the images.
At Krida, diagnostic ultrasound forms part of its musculoskeletal assessment pathway. In suitable cases, a consultation, physical examination, diagnostic ultrasound and personalised treatment plan can be completed during the same visit.
What Is an Ultrasound Scan?
An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures inside the body. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, ultrasound does not use ionising radiation. It is commonly used to examine organs, soft tissues, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and blood vessels, depending on the type of examination required.
For musculoskeletal problems, ultrasound can provide real-time views of structures such as:
- Muscles and tendons
- Ligaments
- Bursae
- Joints
- Soft-tissue abnormalities
- Some fluid collections
- Certain nerves and blood vessels
Krida uses diagnostic ultrasound as part of its assessment of joint problems, soft-tissue conditions and sports injuries.
What Happens During an Ultrasound Scan in London?
While the exact process depends on the body area and type of scan, most external ultrasound examinations follow a similar sequence.
1. You Check In and Discuss Your Symptoms
At the beginning of your appointment, the clinician may ask about your symptoms, when they started and what makes them better or worse.
If the scan is related to pain or an injury, you may also have a physical examination. This helps the clinician understand which structures need closer assessment.
At Krida, a typical musculoskeletal appointment can involve meeting the consultant, examination, diagnostic ultrasound, discussion of findings and a treatment plan.
2. You Prepare the Area Being Scanned
You may need to expose the part of your body being examined. This does not necessarily mean removing all your clothes. Usually, only clothing covering the relevant area needs to be moved or removed.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the affected area. For example, shorts may be useful when a knee or lower-leg problem is being assessed.
Your privacy should be maintained throughout the examination.
3. You Get Into the Correct Position
You may sit or lie on an examination couch, depending on the body part being examined.
For a shoulder scan, you may sit with your arm positioned in a particular way. A knee scan may require you to lie down or bend the knee. Other examinations may require you to turn onto your side or change position.
Positioning helps the clinician obtain clear images of the relevant structures.
4. Ultrasound Gel Is Applied
The clinician applies a small amount of ultrasound gel to the skin.
The gel may feel cool or slightly slippery. It helps the ultrasound probe move smoothly across the skin and supports the transmission of sound waves needed to create clear images.
5. The Probe Is Moved Over the Skin
The clinician places the handheld ultrasound probe, also called a transducer, against the skin.
They move it slowly across the area while watching the images appear on the screen in real time. The probe may be moved in different directions or at different angles to examine the tissues properly.
You may notice gentle pressure, particularly when the clinician needs to examine a deeper structure.
6. The Clinician May Ask You to Move
One important advantage of musculoskeletal ultrasound is that it can provide dynamic, real-time information.
You may be asked to:
- Bend or straighten a joint
- Rotate an arm or leg
- Contract a muscle
- Move a tendon
- Change position
- Hold your breath for certain examinations
These movements can help the clinician observe how structures behave rather than only viewing them while stationary.
7. Images and Measurements Are Recorded
During the examination, the clinician may freeze images on the screen, take measurements and save relevant pictures.
The examination may take around 10–45 minutes, although the duration varies according to the body area and type of scan.
8. The Scan Is Completed
Once the necessary images have been obtained, the clinician removes the probe and wipes the gel from your skin.
You can then get dressed.
For an external ultrasound, there is generally no recovery period. You can normally leave and return to your usual activities unless your clinician gives you different advice.
Does an Ultrasound Scan Hurt?
An external ultrasound scan is generally painless. However, the clinician may need to apply some pressure with the probe to obtain useful images. If the area is already swollen, inflamed or painful, this pressure can feel uncomfortable.
Tell the clinician if the pressure is causing significant discomfort. They can often adjust the technique or position.
How Should You Prepare for an Ultrasound Scan?
Preparation depends on the type of ultrasound.
For some abdominal or pelvic examinations, you may be asked to fast or arrive with a full bladder. For other scans, including many musculoskeletal examinations, there may be little or no special preparation. Your clinic should give you specific instructions before your appointment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What Can a Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Show?
A musculoskeletal ultrasound can help assess soft tissues and other structures around joints. Depending on the clinical situation, it may help identify findings such as tendon problems, muscle injuries, bursitis, joint fluid or other soft-tissue abnormalities.
Krida states that its diagnostic ultrasound may be used to identify soft-tissue damage, including inflammation of a bursa and tears involving tendons, muscles or ligaments.
However, ultrasound is not the right test for every problem. Some conditions may require another form of imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI. The appropriate test depends on your symptoms and clinical assessment.
What Happens After an Ultrasound Scan?
After the scan, the clinician may discuss the images and explain what they show. The next step depends on the reason for your examination and the findings.
At Krida, the diagnostic scan can form part of a wider appointment where the consultant discusses the diagnosis and available treatment options. In appropriate cases, further treatment may be considered during the same visit.
You may receive a written report, depending on the service and type of scan. If further imaging or specialist assessment is needed, your clinician can advise you about the next step.
Is an Ultrasound Scan Safe?
Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than X-rays or other ionising radiation. It is widely used as a diagnostic imaging method and is considered safe when performed appropriately.
As with any medical examination, it is important to tell the clinician about relevant medical information and ask questions if you have concerns.
Why Choose a Private Ultrasound Scan in London?
For people looking for an Ultrasound Scan in London, a private clinic may provide a convenient route to assessment, particularly when diagnostic imaging is being considered as part of a musculoskeletal consultation.
Krida has London locations including Harley Street and Fitzrovia and provides private musculoskeletal consultations and diagnostic ultrasound services.
The main advantage is not simply having an image. The useful part is having the scan interpreted in the context of your symptoms and physical examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does an ultrasound scan take?
Many ultrasound examinations take around 10–45 minutes. The exact time depends on the area being examined and the type of scan.
2. Can I eat before an ultrasound?
It depends on the examination. Some scans require fasting, while others do not. Always follow the preparation instructions provided by your clinic.
3. Do I need a referral for an ultrasound in London?
Requirements vary between clinics and types of ultrasound. Krida states that a GP referral is not necessary for its ultrasound-guided steroid injection service. Contact the clinic to confirm the requirements for your specific diagnostic scan.
4. Can ultrasound detect a muscle or tendon injury?
Ultrasound can provide images of muscles, tendons and other soft tissues and may help assess certain injuries. The usefulness depends on the suspected condition and the area being examined.
5. Can I drive after an ultrasound scan?
For a standard external ultrasound, there is normally no recovery period, so patients can generally return to normal activities afterwards. If another procedure is performed during the appointment, follow the clinician's specific advice.
6. Is ultrasound better than an MRI?
Neither is universally better. Ultrasound is useful for real-time assessment of many soft tissues and can show structures during movement. MRI provides different and often more detailed information. Your clinician can recommend the most appropriate imaging test.
What should I wear for an ultrasound scan?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being examined.
Is ultrasound better than an X-ray?
They provide different information. Ultrasound is particularly useful for many soft-tissue assessments, while X-rays are commonly used to examine bones.
How soon can I get ultrasound results?
This depends on the clinic, examination and reporting process. Some findings may be discussed during the appointment, while a formal report may follow later.
Can ultrasound detect inflammation?
Ultrasound may show certain signs associated with inflammation, such as changes in soft tissues or fluid around a joint, depending on the condition.
Can an ultrasound scan show a tendon tear?
Ultrasound can assess many tendons and may identify some tears or other abnormalities.
What happens if my ultrasound is abnormal?
Your clinician will explain the findings and may recommend treatment, monitoring, further imaging or another specialist assessment.