Clinical assessment
We discuss the elbow problem, relevant health information, previous treatment and what you need to return to.
Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound in Hull
Elbow ultrasound scan in Hull
A focused clinical assessment and real-time musculoskeletal ultrasound examination of the elbow, with the findings interpreted alongside your symptoms and examination.
01—04Assess first.
THE RESOLVE STANDARD
Assess first.
Decide together.
Rehabilitate with purpose.
Clinical reasoning before proceduresAssessment before treatmentNo treatment pressure
Assessment first
What a elbow ultrasound scan can—and cannot—show.
Your appointment starts with a clinical history and physical examination. Ultrasound gel is then applied while the probe is moved over the elbow. We can compare sides, assess structures in different positions and use movement during the scan when this helps answer the clinical question.
A scan with no significant abnormality may show continuous tendons and accessible ligaments, no significant bursal or joint fluid and a normally positioned ulnar nerve. Abnormal findings can include common extensor or flexor tendinopathy, tendon tearing, bursitis, joint effusion, ligament injury, ulnar-nerve enlargement or instability, calcification or another focal lesion. A finding on a scan is not automatically the cause of pain, so it is interpreted together with your symptoms and clinical tests.
Ultrasound cannot fully assess deeper cartilage, bone marrow or every intra-articular cause of locking and persistent elbow pain. If ultrasound cannot answer the important clinical question, we explain whether an X-ray, MRI, blood test, GP review or specialist referral would be more appropriate.
Your local clinic
Elbow musculoskeletal ultrasound at our Hull clinic.
Assessment takes place at Resolve MSK Clinic on Bond Street in Hull city centre. The scan is used to answer a focused clinical question rather than as an automatic test for every elbow problem.
- Clinic
- 44 Bond Street
Hull, HU1 3EN - Opening hours
- Monday–Sunday: 9:00 am–9:30 pm
A focused consultation
Structures and findings assessed on elbow ultrasound
- 01
Common extensor and flexor tendon origins
- 02
Distal biceps and triceps tendons
- 03
Ulnar, radial and lateral collateral ligaments where accessible
- 04
Ulnar nerve position, calibre and dynamic movement
- 05
Joint recesses, bursae, fluid collections and superficial lumps
Your pathway
Clear decisions at every stage.
Targeted scan
The symptomatic area and relevant elbow structures are examined in real time, including movement where useful.
Explain the findings
We show you the relevant images, distinguish normal appearances from important abnormalities and explain uncertainty.
Plan the next step
The result is connected to rehabilitation, further investigation, an injection discussion or referral when appropriate.
Honest, evidence-informed care
Ultrasound supports the diagnosis; it does not replace it.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound is particularly useful for accessible tendons, ligaments, bursae, fluid collections and dynamic assessment. It does not show every possible cause of elbow pain, and incidental age-related findings may not be clinically important.
Common questions
Useful answers before you enquire.
Do I need a GP referral for a elbow ultrasound scan?+
No. Adults can contact Resolve MSK Clinic directly. We first confirm that ultrasound is the appropriate investigation for the question being asked.
Is musculoskeletal ultrasound painful?+
The scan itself is non-invasive and does not use ionising radiation. Some probe pressure or movement may briefly reproduce your symptoms.
Will the scan provide a definite diagnosis?+
Not always. Ultrasound can clarify many soft-tissue findings, but the result must be interpreted with the clinical assessment and sometimes another investigation is more suitable.
Will the findings be explained during the appointment?+
Yes. We explain the relevant images, what the findings may mean, the limitations of the scan and the recommended next step.
Resolve MSK Clinic · 44 Bond Street, Hull
Start with an expert assessment.
Appointments are available Monday–Sunday from 9:00 am to 9:30 pm. Call 07766 095821 or choose an appointment online.