Elbow Ultrasound
An elbow ultrasound scan provides a detailed evaluation of the key musculoskeletal structures within the elbow and forearm. The elbow is an intricate joint that is composed of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones, all of which can be affected by injuries or wear and tear. Symptoms such as pain, swelling, or restricted movement could result from damage to these tissues.
At Sonoclinic, we use the elbow scan to assess:
- Extensor tendons
- Flexor tendons
- Elbow joint
- Elbow ligaments
- Biceps tendon
- Triceps tendon
- Olecranon space and bursa
Why Might You Need an Elbow Ultrasound?
There are many reasons why an elbow ultrasound scan may be recommended. These include:
- Elbow injury – Used to assess conditions such as sprains and tendonitis.
- Persistent elbow pain
- Limited range of motion in the elbow
- Discomfort in the elbow
- Inflammation or swelling in the elbow
- Lumps or abnormal growths around the elbow
- Post-surgical complications, such as abscesses or oedema
- Monitoring rheumatoid arthritis
- Detecting foreign objects (e.g., glass or metal fragments) lodged in soft tissues
- Monitoring treatment progress
Condition Detected with Elbow Ultrasound
An elbow ultrasound scan can help diagnose a variety of conditions, such as:
- Inflammation – Detects tendinitis, caused by repetitive motions or overuse, and bursitis, which results from injury or excessive strain.
- Muscle tears
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer's elbow
- Sprains and ligament tears
- Joint dislocation
- Restricted movement
- Infections
- Overuse injuries
- Traumatic injuries
- Arthritis
- Nerve pain
What to Expect
The elbow ultrasound employs sound waves to produce real-time images of the inner structures and enable a thorough assessment. This scan is fast, painless, safe and takes about 20 minutes. Afterward, the results will be discussed with you, and you will receive a diagnostic ultrasound report.