Is ultrasound better than MRI for wrist conditions?

Ultrasound and MRI are complementary. Ultrasound is superior for dynamic assessment of tendons and nerves in motion, and for identifying carpal tunnel syndrome. MRI provides better assessment of bone and deep ligament structures. Your sonographer will advise if additional imaging is recommended.

Can ultrasound diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome?

Yes. Ultrasound measurement of the median nerve cross-sectional area at the carpal tunnel inlet is a validated diagnostic method for carpal tunnel syndrome, with sensitivity and specificity comparable to nerve conduction studies in many cases.

No. Wrist ultrasound is a gentle, non-invasive procedure. The dynamic assessment involves moving your wrist and fingers, which may reproduce some of your symptoms, but the scan itself is not painful.

Can a ganglion cyst be treated at the same appointment?

Aspiration (draining) of ganglion cysts under ultrasound guidance can be arranged as a separate appointment. Please discuss this with your sonographer.

Do I need a GP referral?

No referral is needed. You can book directly online or by telephone.

Is bilateral assessment available?

Yes. Bilateral wrist assessment (both wrists) is available at £350 and is recommended when comparing nerve measurements for carpal tunnel syndrome.

HCPC Registered— All sonographers

CQC Compliant— Regulated clinic

Same-Day Available— Mon – Sat

Written Report— Within 24 hours

HCPC Registered

CQC Compliant

Same-Day Available

Written Report

MSK Scans

Wrist Ultrasound Scan

A detailed assessment of the tendons, ligaments, nerves, and joints of the wrist to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinopathy, ganglion cysts, and other wrist conditions.

20–30 minutes

Same-day appointments

Marylebone, London W1

HCPC RegisteredCQC CompliantSame-Day AvailableWritten Report IncludedMusculoskeletal Imaging

£235

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HCPC-registered sonographers

Written report within 24 hours

Same-day appointments available

CQC-compliant clinic

Understanding Your Situation

Wrist Pain That Limits Your Daily Life

Wrist pain, numbness, or weakness can significantly impact your ability to work, exercise, and carry out everyday tasks. Whether you are experiencing the tingling of carpal tunnel syndrome, the ache of tendinopathy, or the discomfort of a ganglion cyst, a wrist ultrasound scan provides a rapid, accurate diagnosis without radiation. Our specialist musculoskeletal sonographers use dynamic assessment techniques to evaluate your wrist in motion, providing information that static MRI cannot always capture. Located at 29 Weymouth Street, Marylebone, our clinic provides same-day diagnostic ultrasound with written reports.

Clinical Overview

What is a Wrist Ultrasound Scan?

A wrist ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the soft tissue structures of the wrist, including tendons, ligaments, nerves, joint capsules, and bursae. It is particularly effective for assessing carpal tunnel syndrome (the most common peripheral nerve entrapment, affecting approximately 4–5% of the UK population), tendon pathology, and ganglion cysts. NICE recommends ultrasound as a first-line investigation for soft tissue wrist conditions.

Is This Scan Right for You?

Who Should Book This Scan?

Those experiencing wrist pain, swelling, or restricted movement

Patients with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome (tingling, numbness in the hand)

Those with a visible or palpable lump on the wrist (ganglion cyst)

Athletes or workers with repetitive wrist strain or tendinopathy

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis requiring joint and tendon assessment

Those who have had a wrist injury and need soft tissue evaluation

Diagnostic Scope

What This Scan Can Detect

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The median nerve is measured at the carpal tunnel inlet. An enlarged nerve cross-sectional area confirms compression and correlates with symptom severity.

Tendinopathy and Tears

The flexor and extensor tendons are assessed for thickening, degeneration, partial tears, and tenosynovitis (tendon sheath inflammation).

Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are clearly identified as fluid-filled structures arising from joint capsules or tendon sheaths, with their connection to the underlying structure confirmed.

Ligament Assessment

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and other wrist ligaments are assessed for tears and instability.

Joint Effusion

Fluid within the wrist joint or tendon sheaths is identified and can be aspirated under ultrasound guidance if required.

Your Appointment

What Happens During Your Scan

Clinical history

Your sonographer will take a brief history of your symptoms, including their onset, location, and any aggravating factors.

Static assessment

The wrist is examined at rest with the probe systematically moved across all relevant structures.

Dynamic assessment

You will be asked to move your wrist and fingers while the sonographer observes tendon movement and identifies any impingement or snapping.

Nerve assessment

The median nerve is measured at the carpal tunnel inlet and compared with the forearm for carpal tunnel assessment.

Report and images

A written report with representative images is provided before you leave, with all findings explained clearly.

Before Your Appointment

How to Prepare for Your Scan

1
No special preparation is required for a wrist ultrasound
2
Wear or bring loose clothing that allows easy access to the wrist and forearm
3
Remove any wrist jewellery or watches before your appointment
4
Bring any previous imaging reports (MRI, X-ray) if you have them
5
Allow 30 minutes for your appointment

After Your Scan

Understanding Your Wrist Ultrasound Results

Your sonographer will explain all findings during the scan and provide a written report before you leave. The report will describe any abnormalities identified, their severity, and recommended management. For carpal tunnel syndrome, the report includes nerve measurements that guide treatment decisions. Our reports are accepted by all major NHS and private hospitals and by most insurance companies.

Why Private?