Wrist Ultrasound Scan

Wrist Ultrasound Scan

The MedHealth Wrist Ultrasound provides a detailed assessment of the main soft-tissue and joint structures in the wrist and hand. This scan is ideal for patients with wrist pain, swelling, tingling, or suspected tendon or nerve problems.

Objective of the Wrist Ultrasound

The wrist ultrasound aims to assess the key structures that support wrist function, including tendons, ligaments, small joints, nerves and surrounding soft tissues. The wrist is a busy, complex joint that is frequently affected by falls, overuse, repetitive activities and inflammatory conditions.

Using high-frequency ultrasound, we can see inside the wrist in real time, focusing specifically on your area of pain or symptoms. The scan is quick, painless and completely safe, and we discuss the main findings with you before you leave.

What the Wrist Scan Can Assess

• Extensor tendons

• Flexor tendons (limited)

• Carpal tunnel region (median nerve area)

• Wrist joint spaces and small joints

• Tendon sheaths and surrounding soft tissues

• Areas of fluid, swelling or inflammation

• Cysts, lumps and localised swellings

What is a Wrist Ultrasound?

A wrist ultrasound is a diagnostic scan that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the soft tissues around the wrist and hand. It is especially useful for:

• Tendon and ligament injuries

• Nerve irritation or compression (such as in carpal tunnel region)

• Inflammatory conditions

• Cysts and ganglia

• Post-traumatic swelling or pain

Wrist problems may be acute (after a fall or sudden injury) or chronic (due to repetitive strain, desk work, manual work, or underlying arthritis). Ultrasound helps to identify what is driving your symptoms so an appropriate treatment plan can be put in place.

Reasons to Have a Wrist Scan

You may benefit from a wrist ultrasound if you have:

• Wrist pain or aching

• Recent wrist injury or fall

• Reduced movement or stiffness

• Clicking, catching or weakness

• Tingling, pins and needles or numbness into the hand or fingers

• Swelling or a visible lump

• Suspected tendonitis or tenosynovitis

• Post-surgical swelling or concern about complications

• Known inflammatory arthritis and new or worsening symptoms

• Possible foreign body (e.g., glass, metal, wood) in the soft tissues

What the Wrist Scan Can Detect

Our wrist ultrasound can help diagnose:

• Tendonitis and tendinopathy

• Tenosynovitis and synovitis

• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis

• Carpal tunnel region changes (median nerve area)

• Sprains and soft-tissue tears

• Ganglion and other cysts

• Neuromas and nerve thickening

• Localised fluid collections or bursitis

• Degenerative and inflammatory joint changes

• Overuse injuries

• Infection or abscess (where sonographic features are present)

MSK Ultrasound FAQs (Portsmouth only)

1. What is an MSK ultrasound used for?
   MSK ultrasound assesses tendons, ligaments, muscles, bursae, and joints to help investigate pain, swelling, suspected tears, or inflammation.

2. Is MSK available at both clinics?
   MSK ultrasound is available at our Portsmouth clinic.

3. Do I need a referral?
   You can self-refer. If you have a clinician’s referral letter, bring it along.

4. How long does it take?
   Usually 20–30 minutes, depending on the area and whether both sides are compared.

5. Can you scan the area while I move?
   Yes — ultrasound can assess structures dynamically during certain movements, where appropriate.

6. How quickly will I get the report?

   Verbal report straight after scan and digital report on the same day.

We may request the details of your GP or healthcare professional so we can share your report if appropriate.

Price

£169