Musculoskeletal Imaging

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in central London, our diagnostic imaging specialists use musculoskeletal imaging to help find the cause of bone, joint, muscle and soft tissue symptoms.

    Your consultant may recommend imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging, also called MRI, ultrasound, X-ray, or CT scans. These tests can help your care team understand what is happening in your bones, joints or soft tissues and plan the next steps in your care.

    Musculoskeletal conditions can affect how you move, function and feel day to day. Symptoms may be related to an injury, arthritis, inflammation, or ongoing pain. Our imaging team works closely with specialists in rheumatology, orthopaedics, sports medicine, and other areas of care so your results are reviewed in the context of your overall health.

    • Musculoskeletal imaging refers to a group of diagnostic tests used to examine the body’s musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. 

      Different types of musculoskeletal scans provide different information. The most appropriate test depends on your symptoms, medical history, and clinical findings. 

      At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, musculoskeletal imaging forms an important part of diagnosing a wide range of conditions, from sports injuries and arthritis to inflammatory joint disorders and soft tissue abnormalities.

    • Musculoskeletal imaging may be recommended if you are experiencing symptoms affecting your bones, joints, muscles, tendons, or ligaments. 

      Common reasons for assessment include: 

      • Persistent joint pain or stiffness 
      • Sport injuries 
      • Muscles or tendon injuries 
      • Swelling around a joint 
      • Reduced range of movement 
      • Back or neck pain 
      • Suspected arthritis 
      • Bone or soft tissue abnormalities
      • Symptoms that have not improved with treatment 

      Imaging can help identify the cause of symptoms, assess the extent of an injury, and support decisions about treatment and ongoing management.

    • Musculoskeletal scans may be used to investigate a wide range of conditions, including: 

      • Osteoarthritis 
      • Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions
      • Tendon injuries and tendonitis 
      • Ligament injuries 
      • Sports related injuries 
      • Fractures and stress fractures 
      • Back and neck conditions 
      • Osteoporosis 
      • Joint abnormalities 
      • Bone or soft tissue growths, including tumours
      • Muscle injuries 

      Imaging findings help your clinical team develop a more complete understanding of your condition and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, musculoskeletal imaging begins with a review of your symptoms and referral information to determine the most appropriate test. 

      Depending on your needs, your consultant may recommend: 

      MRI Scans 

      Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create highly detailed images of joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. 

      Ultrasound scans 

      Musculoskeletal ultrasound uses sound waves to produce real time images of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. 

      X-rays 

      X-rays provide images of bones and joints, which we use to assess fractures, joint damage, and changes in bone or joint structure. 

      CT scans 

      Computed tomography (CT) combines multiple X-ray images to create detailed cross-sectional views of the body. 

      Different people need different imaging tests, and your imaging pathway will be tailored to your symptoms and clinical needs.

    • An accurate diagnosis helps your care team recommend the right next steps.

      Musculoskeletal scans provide detailed information that can help your clinical team: 

      • Confirm or rule out a diagnosis 
      • Assess the severity of an injury or condition 
      • Monitor disease progression 
      • Evaluate response to treatment 
      • Plan further investigations or specialist care 

      Our imaging specialists work with your referring consultant and other specialists so your scan results are considered as part of your overall care plan.

    • Patients choose Mayo Clinic Healthcare for access to advanced diagnostic services and coordinated specialist care. 

      Our approach includes: 

      • Consultant-led assessment and referral pathways 
      • Access to advanced musculoskeletal imaging technology 
      • High-quality MRI, ultrasound, CT, and X-ray services
      • Collaboration across rheumatology, orthopaedics, sports medicine, and other specialities 
      • Personalised care informed by accurate diagnosis 
      • Evidence based recommendations tailored to each patient 

      As part of the globally recognised Mayo Clinic network, we are committed to delivering precise diagnosis and patient-centred care.

    Private health insurance

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health, and WPA.

    If you do not have insurance, self-pay options are available, and our team will be happy to guide you through pricing and appointment arrangements.

    Book a musculoskeletal imaging appointment

    If you have ongoing joint pain, a muscle or tendon injury, or symptoms affecting your bones, muscles or joints, our team can help you understand your options.

    We provide advanced musculoskeletal imaging and musculoskeletal scans to support accurate diagnosis and guide personalised care.

    Request an appointment today or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575 to speak with our team.