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Elbow MRI Scan

Elbow MRI Scan

An elbow MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a safe, non-invasive procedure that uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to create highly detailed images of the bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cartilage in your elbow joint.

No GP referral needed. Safe, painless, and comfortable. Results reviewed by specialist radiologists and returned within 3 to 5 working days.

  Clinician advice included

No GP referral needed

Share results anywhere

Elbow MRI Pricing

Excellent pricing that suits your health concerns.

Elbow MRI Scan at Vitalscan

£375

What’s included

  • One-region MRI scan (elbow – left or right)

  • Review of referral (if provided)
  • Full radiologist report
  • Access to digital scan images

  • Results within 3–5 working days

  • Pre and post-scan patient support

  • Comfortable scanning environment

  • Tea, coffee and cold drinks for free

  • Private consultation room (no waiting around in your gown)
  • Free parking & accessible parking available

Common reasons for an Elbow MRI scan

An elbow MRI scan helps diagnose injuries and conditions including:

  • Tendon injuries: Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis), tendon tears or ruptures, and chronic tendonitis.
  • Ligament damage: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears, lateral collateral ligament injuries, and elbow instability.
  • Cartilage and bone problems: Elbow arthritis, osteochondritis dissecans, loose bodies in the joint, and bone spurs.
  • Nerve issues: Ulnar nerve compression (cubital tunnel syndrome), nerve entrapment, and unexplained numbness or tingling in the hand.
  • Unexplained elbow symptoms: Chronic elbow pain without clear diagnosis, swelling that won’t resolve, weakness when gripping or lifting, and restricted elbow movement.
  • Throwing and overhead injuries: Pitcher’s elbow, repetitive stress injuries in athletes, and damage from overhead sports or manual labour.
  • Following injury assessment: Evaluation after elbow surgery, monitoring healing progress, and investigating ongoing pain after treatment.

When X-rays don’t explain your elbow symptoms, an MRI scan provides the detailed soft tissue imaging needed for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

private mri scan milton keynes

What does an Elbow MRI Scan show?

An MRI produces detailed cross-sectional images that show:

  • Elbow bones including the humerus, radius, and ulna, showing fractures, stress injuries, arthritis, and bone abnormalities.
  • Tendons revealing tears, inflammation, or degeneration in the common extensor and flexor tendons that attach at the elbow.
  • Ligaments assessing the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), radial collateral ligament, and lateral ulnar collateral ligament for tears or laxity.
  • Cartilage evaluating the joint surfaces for wear, damage, or defects that indicate arthritis or osteochondritis dissecans.
  • Nerves identifying compression or damage to the ulnar nerve, radial nerve, or median nerve around the elbow.
  • Muscles and soft tissues detecting muscle tears, inflammation, fluid collections, and masses.
  • Joint space showing loose bodies, synovitis, or other abnormalities within the elbow joint.

MRI is the most effective imaging method for diagnosing tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and UCL injuries that often affect athletes and people who perform repetitive arm movements.

Is an Elbow MRI Scan right for you?

Consider an elbow MRI scan if you:

  • Experience persistent elbow pain that limits daily activities or work
  • Have been diagnosed with tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow that isn’t improving
  • Participate in throwing sports and have developed elbow pain
  • Feel weakness, instability, or giving way in your elbow
  • Notice numbness or tingling in your hand or fingers
  • Require assessment before or after elbow surgery

Safety and suitability

MRI is safe for most people. We’ll need to check if you have:

  • Electronic medical devices (pacemakers, cochlear implants, nerve stimulators)
  • Metal implants from previous elbow surgery (typically safe, but requires confirmation)
  • Claustrophobia concerns (our scanner design helps minimise anxiety)

Let us know during booking if you’re pregnant (or if you think you might be). We’ll discuss your specific circumstances and ensure the scan is appropriate for you.

Preparing for your Elbow MRI Scan

No special preparation is needed for an elbow MRI scan.

What to do before your scan:

  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal zips or fastenings
  • Remove all jewellery, watches, and metal accessories before the scan
  • Let us know if you have any metal implants or medical devices
  • Inform us if you’re pregnant or claustrophobic

You can eat and drink normally before your scan. There are no fasting requirements.

Your Elbow MRI Scan appointment

Step 1

Arrival and Welcome

Our team will welcome you when you arrive and direct you to a private changing room with secure storage. Feel free to enjoy complimentary refreshments while you wait.

Step 2

Scan Preparation

Remove all jewellery, watches, and metal accessories. Change into the gown provided. Your radiographer will explain what to expect and answer your questions.

Step 3

During the scan

You’ll lie on the scanning table with your arm extended and positioned for optimal elbow imaging. Only your arm enters the scanner, while your head and body remain completely outside. Scan duration is typically 25 to 35 minutes. Keeping your arm still throughout ensures high-quality images.

The scanner generates loud tapping and knocking sounds during operation. We’ll provide headphones with music or radio to help you relax. An emergency call button remains in your other hand if you need to contact us.

Step 4

After the scan

Once finished, you can dress and leave immediately. No recovery time is necessary. Drive, work, and carry out all normal activities straight away.

Your comprehensive report and images will be emailed within 3 to 5 working days.

Questions after your visit? Our team is here to help.

Your scan results and report

Timing

Your scan results will be ready within 3 to 5 working days. Fast turnaround enables you to discuss findings with your doctor and begin treatment without delay.

Who reviews your scan

Specialist musculoskeletal (MSK) radiologists with expertise in elbow conditions review every scan. Their detailed reports guide your healthcare team in planning effective treatment.

How you receive your results

Your full radiologist report and digital images arrive via email. Share these with your GP, consultant, physiotherapist, or any healthcare professional. If your scan identifies something urgent, we’ll contact you directly.

Why choose Vitalscan for your Elbow MRI Scan

  • Specialist diagnostic team: Experienced MSK radiologists who specialise in upper limb conditions review your scan. Our radiology manager and senior radiographers maintain the highest quality standards.
  • Advanced MRI technology: The Philips 1.5T BlueSeal MRI produces exceptional image quality for detailed elbow assessment. Wide-bore design and entertainment features create a comfortable scanning experience.
  • Quick appointments and fast results: Schedule appointments within days rather than weeks. Results delivered in 3 to 5 working days mean faster progression to treatment.
  • Direct booking accepted: No GP referral required. Book directly and avoid NHS waiting lists.
  • Patient-focused service: Private facilities, complimentary refreshments, and attentive care throughout ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible.

Safety and Reassurance

MRI scans are safe, non-invasive, and radiation-free. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, MRI uses no ionising radiation, making it completely safe for repeated imaging when medically necessary.

Is an MRI safe?

Yes. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images. There are no known long-term side effects from MRI scanning.

Managing Anxiety

Elbow scans involve only your arm entering the scanner, which most patients find comfortable. We can discuss additional measures if you feel anxious.

Metal implants

Many surgical implants are MRI-compatible, including most screws, plates, and wires used in elbow surgery. We’ll verify implant safety before your scan.

Contrast dye

Elbow MRI scans rarely require contrast dye. If your specific case needs contrast, we’ll discuss this during booking. Contrast agents are safe for most people, though we’ll ask about kidney function and allergies.

Elbow MRI FAQs

An MRI scan of the elbow uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce clear images of the bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cartilage.

If you have ongoing pain, stiffness, swelling, or instability in your elbow that hasn’t been explained by an X-ray or ultrasound, an MRI can help.

MRI provides a detailed look at soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. It’s especially effective for diagnosing tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and other tendon or ligament injuries.

No referral is required. You can book directly with us, and your scan will be reviewed by a consultant MSK radiologist.

No. The procedure is painless. You’ll simply need to lie still while the images are taken. The scanner makes a loud tapping noise, but we provide earplugs or headphones.

Usually 20–30 minutes, depending on the scan.

No preparation is needed. Just remove watches, jewellery, or other metal items before your scan.

You’ll receive your full radiologist report and scan images within 3–5 working days.

Meet our clinical team

Alice Nitsche

Centre Manager

BSc (Hons), PgC MMR (Dist.)

Mahmoud Abdalla

Radiology Manager & CQC Manager

BSc (Hons), PGD

Abdelfattah Abdelrahman

Senior MRI Radiographer

DipMI, BSc (Hons), CPD (Diag Rad)

Jayme Brooks

Lead Imaging Assistant

Safiatou Jallow

Phlebotomist and Imaging Assistant

Mikhaela Ambagan

Services Coordinator

Easy to reach

Vitalscan is conveniently located near Central Milton Keynes train station, making us easy to reach by car or public transport.

Partnered with leading
health insurance providers

Partnered with leading health insurance providers

Getting the diagnostic tests you need shouldn’t be complicated. We’re proud to work with leading health insurance providers to make access to our services as seamless as possible.

Our patient pathway

Complete Booking

Schedule your scan online.

Confirmation

Receive booking info instantly.

Quality Check

Ensure scan accuracy & safety.

Scan Day

Attend your appointment.

Receive Results

Get your scan results quickly.

Sharing Report

Share findings with your doctor.

Ready to book your private MRI scan?

Ready to
book your scan?

Booking your scan is quick and easy – no referral needed and appointments available as soon as the same day. Get fast, accurate results for peace of mind.

Book an Elbow MRI Scan

Patient reviews

Contact

01908 755556

100 Avebury Boulevard,
Milton Keynes, MK9 1FH

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Legal

Vitalscan is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and operates in accordance with all applicable healthcare standards. Our location ID is 1-14644634325. Our diagnostic imaging services are designed to support clinical decision-making but do not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own healthcare professional.

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