Elbow Ultrasound
Examination of tendons, ligaments, the bursa and the joint in elbow pain
Price: €100
Self-pay service
No referral needed
Self-pay service
Appointment within 24–48h
No waiting lists
Immediate results
With doctor's explanation
Safe and painless
No radiation
What is Elbow Ultrasound?
An elbow ultrasound is a painless examination of the tendons, ligaments, bursa and joint around the elbow; it costs €100, takes 20 minutes, results are given immediately and no referral is needed.
The examination shows the soft tissues around the elbow at rest and during movement, which makes it useful for assessing pain caused by overuse or injury.
The examination can show:
For tingling in the little and ring fingers or a suspected ulnar nerve entrapment, a peripheral nerve ultrasound is the appropriate examination.
When should you have an elbow ultrasound?
What an elbow ultrasound does not show
Ultrasound does not pass through bone, so it does not show the inside of bones or deeper parts of the joint, and shows joint cartilage only in part. If a fracture or cartilage injury is suspected, the doctor may suggest an X-ray, MRI or CT.
The findings need to be interpreted together with your symptoms and a clinical examination. A normal result does not rule out every cause of pain, and tendon changes can also be present without any symptoms.
How does the examination proceed?
An elbow ultrasound is a painless examination that takes about 20 minutes:
- 1You sit and rest your arm on a surface so that the elbow is accessible.
- 2The doctor applies clear gel to the skin for better probe contact.
- 3The probe is used to examine the front, back, outer and inner sides of the elbow.
- 4If needed, you will be asked to move your elbow or wrist so that tendon function can be assessed.
- 5The other arm may be examined for comparison if this is needed to assess a finding.
- 6The findings are explained to you immediately after the examination.
Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation.
Preparation for an elbow ultrasound
No special preparation is needed. Just follow these guidelines:
Clothing
Wear short or loose sleeves so that the elbow is easy to access.
Bring documentation
If you have previous reports (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound), bring them with you.
No fasting
You do not need to fast for an elbow ultrasound.
Describe your symptoms
Think about when the pain occurs and which movements trigger it — this helps the doctor during the examination.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an elbow ultrasound cost?
An elbow ultrasound costs €100. An examination of two identical joints, such as both elbows, costs €170. This is a self-pay service.
Can ultrasound show tennis elbow?
Ultrasound can show tendon changes on the outer side of the elbow, such as thickening or a tear. The diagnosis of tennis elbow is based mainly on symptoms and a clinical examination, which ultrasound complements.
What is the difference between tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?
With tennis elbow the pain is on the outer side of the elbow, with golfer's elbow on the inner side. Both involve overuse changes in the tendons where they attach to the bone. They also occur in people who do not play these sports.
Can ultrasound show elbow bursitis?
Yes, ultrasound can show fluid and a thickened bursa wall at the tip of the elbow. Ultrasound alone cannot always establish the cause, for example whether an infection is present.
Does ultrasound replace an X-ray or MRI?
Not always. Ultrasound is suited to assessing tendons, ligaments and bursae, X-ray to bones, and MRI to deeper joint structures. If another examination is needed, the doctor will tell you.
Do you work with referrals?
No. We are a self-pay practice, so no referral is needed. The price of the examination is known in advance and published on this page, and an appointment is usually available within 24–48 hours. You can book online or by phone at 01 777 42 55.
Book an appointment →Examination information
Price
€100
Self-pay service
Duration
20 min
Report
Immediately with explanation
Referral
Not required
Why Ultrazdravje
Google rating
5.0 out of 5 · 18 reviews
Report immediately with explanation — the doctor explains the findings at the end of the examination.
📋 Booking opens with “Elbow ultrasound” selected. For both matching joints choose “Two matching joints ultrasound”.
Book an appointment
Appointment within 24–48 hours
Štihova ulica 3, Ljubljana
By appointment
Other ultrasound examinations at Ultrazdravje
Book an appointment
No waiting, no referral. Appointment within 24–48 hours.
Štihova ulica 3, Ljubljana | By appointment