What does a knee ultrasound show?
A knee ultrasound can show:
- Fluid in the joint (effusion)
- Baker’s cysts behind the knee
- Patellar and quadriceps tendon problems
- Collateral ligament injuries on either side of the knee
- Bursitis, such as housemaid’s knee
- Lumps around the knee
Can ultrasound show a meniscus tear?
Only partly. Ultrasound can show the outer edge of the meniscus and some tears, plus related cysts, but the inner parts are hidden inside the joint. MRI is the definitive test for meniscus and ACL injuries, and your specialist will recommend one if needed.
What is a Baker’s cyst?
A Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled swelling behind the knee, usually linked to wear, arthritis or a cartilage tear inside the joint. It can cause tightness or aching. If it ruptures, it can cause sudden calf pain and swelling that mimics a DVT, which ultrasound can tell apart.
Will a Baker’s cyst go away, and can it be drained?
A Baker’s cyst often shrinks when the problem inside the knee that causes it, such as arthritis or a cartilage tear, is treated. It can be drained under ultrasound guidance, sometimes with a steroid injection into the knee, but may return if the underlying cause continues.
Will a knee injury heal on its own?
Many minor sprains and strains settle in a few weeks with rest, ice, compression and gradual exercise. See a specialist if the knee is very swollen, gives way, locks, or is not improving after a couple of weeks, as a ligament or cartilage injury may need specific treatment.
Why is my knee swollen?
Common causes include injury, wear-and-tear arthritis, a cartilage tear, gout, infection and inflammatory arthritis. Ultrasound shows whether the swelling is fluid inside the joint, a bursa or a cyst, and fluid can be drained under guidance if needed.
When is a swollen knee an emergency?
Seek urgent care the same day if a knee is hot, red and swollen with a fever, as this can be a joint infection. Go to A&E if you cannot put weight on the leg after an injury, the knee is deformed, or it is locked and will not straighten.
What causes pain at the front of the knee?
Pain at the front of the knee is often caused by patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee), irritation behind the kneecap, or bursitis in front of the kneecap. Ultrasound shows the tendon and bursae clearly, so the cause can be pinpointed.
Can ultrasound show knee ligament damage?
Ultrasound shows the ligaments on the inner and outer sides of the knee (collateral ligaments) well, including sprains and tears. The ACL and PCL sit deep inside the joint and need an MRI.
Can a knee ultrasound guide an injection?
Yes. Ultrasound guidance places steroid, hyaluronic acid or PRP injections, or drains fluid, precisely where needed, which is more accurate and comfortable than an unguided injection. Your specialist will discuss whether an injection suits you.
Ultrasound or MRI for my knee?
Ultrasound is ideal for tendons, bursae, Baker’s cysts, joint fluid and the side ligaments, with results the same day. MRI is better for the meniscus, ACL, cartilage and bone. Your specialist will tell you honestly which you need.
Does a knee ultrasound hurt?
No. The probe rests gently on the skin with warm gel, and any movement is only as far as is comfortable.
How long does a knee ultrasound take?
Around twenty minutes, including a short chat, the examination and time to explain the findings.
How much does a knee ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private knee ultrasound costs £280, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and images. Same-day or next-day appointments are usually available.
What if you find something?
Your specialist tells you in the room, in plain English, and explains exactly what it means. You will never be sent home to wait for a letter. Most findings are benign and need nothing more than a sensible review date.
Anything that does need attention gets a clear, objective recommendation in your report: monitor, test further, or refer. Follow-up tests can usually be arranged at 99 Harley Street, often the same week, and those results are also explained to you personally.
Do I need a referral?
No. Harley Street Ultrasound is a private clinic, so you can book a knee ultrasound in London directly online or by phone. No GP letter, no waiting list, and same-day or next-day appointments are usually available. If you are searching for a knee ultrasound near me from anywhere in central London, we are at 99 Harley Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Circus stations.
If you are wondering how much a private knee ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £280, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and your images. Insured patients should bring a referral or authorisation number if their policy requires one.
How soon will I have the written report?
Usually the same day: a Harley Street knee ultrasound comes with same-day results as standard, and you will already know the findings, because they are explained to you on screen during the appointment.
The written report is prepared by the specialist team and published to your secure patient portal together with your images, with measurements and a clear recommendation, ready to share with your GP or specialist.
What happens after the scan?
Nothing special: there is no aftercare needed. You can eat, drive and go back to work straight away. Diagnostic ultrasound at these intensities has no confirmed adverse effects, which is why it can be repeated safely for monitoring. If your results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it before you leave.
Can I still use the NHS afterwards?
Yes: completely. Coming to us privately never affects your NHS care. Our job is to get you answers quickly; if anything needs urgent attention, your specialist writes to your NHS GP recommending an urgent appointment, so you re-enter the NHS pathway with a diagnosis already in hand rather than joining the queue from the start.
