Expert MSK Health Blog London

25 Oct 2026 24 min read

Stress Fractures in Runners, HYROX and Triathletes: Sites, MRI Grades and Recovery

Where stress fractures happen in marathon runners, HYROX athletes and triathletes, which sites are high-risk, why an early X-ray is often normal, what MRI grades 1 to 4 mean, how low energy intake raises the risk, and how to get back to sport.

Shin Splints or a Stress Fracture? How to Tell, When to Get an MRI and How to Recover

Blog

25 Oct 2026 23 min read

Shin Splints or a Stress Fracture? How to Tell, When to Get an MRI and How to Recover

Shin splints and a stress fracture of the shin bone can feel alike at first but are managed differently. How to tell them apart, what an X-ray and MRI can show, what the evidence says about treatment (including compression socks and quick fixes), and how to get back to running.

Botulinum Toxin Beyond Cosmetics: Medical Uses, Evidence and Safety

Blog

24 Oct 2026 24 min read

Botulinum Toxin Beyond Cosmetics: Medical Uses, Evidence and Safety

Botulinum toxin is best known as a cosmetic treatment, but it is also used for spasticity, dystonia, muscle spasms, sweating, Raynaud's and more. What is licensed in the UK, what the evidence shows, the risks, and how injections are guided.

T1 vs T2 MRI and Other Sequences Explained: Why Your Scan’s Settings Matter

Blog

24 Oct 2026 23 min read

T1 vs T2 MRI and Other Sequences Explained: Why Your Scan’s Settings Matter

T1, T2, PD, STIR, fat-sat: what the labels on your MRI mean, what each sequence shows, why slice thickness and the scan plan matter, and how a poor-quality scan can falsely reassure you.

Booking a Private MRI Online? What to Check Before You Pay

Blog

23 Oct 2026 18 min read

Booking a Private MRI Online? What to Check Before You Pay

Some private MRI websites are booking services rather than clinics. A consultant MSK radiologist explains what happens behind the booking, who is responsible for your care, and eight questions to ask before you pay.

Sudden, Severe Shoulder Pain? Acute Calcific Tendinitis Explained

Blog

23 Oct 2026 20 min read

Sudden, Severe Shoulder Pain? Acute Calcific Tendinitis Explained

Sudden, severe shoulder pain can be caused by calcium in a rotator cuff tendon. Why it hurts so much, how long it lasts, how to sleep with it, and what the evidence says about barbotage, injections and shockwave.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (Mummy Thumb): Symptoms, Treatment and When an Injection Helps

Blog

23 Oct 2026 19 min read

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (Mummy Thumb): Symptoms, Treatment and When an Injection Helps

Pain on the thumb side of the wrist, especially after having a baby? An MSK radiologist explains De Quervain's tenosynovitis: symptoms, what helps, and when an ultrasound-guided injection is worth it.

Frozen Shoulder and the Menopause: Is There a Link, and What Helps?

Blog

23 Oct 2026 18 min read

Frozen Shoulder and the Menopause: Is There a Link, and What Helps?

Frozen shoulder peaks in women at the age of the menopause. What the research really shows about perimenopause and HRT, how to tell it from menopausal aches, its stages, and the treatments that help.

How Long Does Tennis Elbow Last? What Actually Helps, From Exercise to Injections

Blog

23 Oct 2026 18 min read

How Long Does Tennis Elbow Last? What Actually Helps, From Exercise to Injections

How long does tennis elbow last, and is there a quick fix? What the trials show for exercise, braces, steroid and PRP injections and shockwave, plus golfer's elbow and padel elbow.

Do You Need a GP Referral for a Private MRI? How It Works in the UK

Blog

23 Oct 2026 20 min read

Do You Need a GP Referral for a Private MRI? How It Works in the UK

Do you need a GP referral for a private MRI in the UK? When you don't, when you do (X-ray, CT and insurance), what happens to your NHS care afterwards, and when not to wait for a private scan.

Can an MRI Miss Something? Why Scan Findings Get Missed, and How to Reduce the Risk

Blog

11 Oct 2026 20 min read

Can an MRI Miss Something? Why Scan Findings Get Missed, and How to Reduce the Risk

Can an MRI miss something? Yes, sometimes, but rarely because of the machine. How often scan findings are missed, the seven common reasons, and what you can do to reduce the risk.

The Radiology Consultation: Why Our Radiologist Talks to You Before Reporting Your Scan

Blog

11 Oct 2026 13 min read

The Radiology Consultation: Why Our Radiologist Talks to You Before Reporting Your Scan

Most people never meet the radiologist who reports their scan. Why our radiologist hears your story first, what the evidence shows, and how a radiology consultation works.

Who Reports Your MRI Matters: MSK Radiologists and Scan Protocols

Blog

11 Oct 2026 16 min read

Who Reports Your MRI Matters: MSK Radiologists and Scan Protocols

The most important choice when you book an MRI is often invisible: who will read it. What the evidence says about specialist MSK radiologists and scan protocols, and what to ask before you book.

Think a Radiologist Missed Something on Your Scan? Why Every Scan Is Kept, and How Fair Review Works

Blog

11 Oct 2026 13 min read

Think a Radiologist Missed Something on Your Scan? Why Every Scan Is Kept, and How Fair Review Works

Every scan and report is archived, so any miss can be re-examined later, usually with hindsight. How radiology learns from its errors, how fair review and arbitration work, and what to do if you think something was missed.

Knee Locked or Giving Way After an Injury? When an MRI Really Matters

Blog

9 Oct 2026 17 min read

Knee Locked or Giving Way After an Injury? When an MRI Really Matters

A knee that locks, gives way or swells after a twist needs a clear diagnosis. Here is when to get it reviewed and how an MRI can help.

A Lump Under the Skin? When to Get It Checked and Why the First Scan Matters

Blog

9 Oct 2026 16 min read

A Lump Under the Skin? When to Get It Checked and Why the First Scan Matters

Most lumps under the skin are harmless. Learn which signs mean a lump needs prompt checking, and why we recommend a scan before any lump is removed.

Wrist Pain After a Fall? Why a Normal X-Ray Doesn’t Rule Out a Scaphoid Fracture

Blog

9 Oct 2026 16 min read

Wrist Pain After a Fall? Why a Normal X-Ray Doesn’t Rule Out a Scaphoid Fracture

A normal X-ray after a fall does not always rule out a broken scaphoid. Learn the signs, what delay can cost and your options.

Swollen, Stiff Joints in the Morning? Why the First 3 Months of Arthritis Matter

Blog

9 Oct 2026 15 min read

Swollen, Stiff Joints in the Morning? Why the First 3 Months of Arthritis Matter

Swollen small joints and morning stiffness lasting 30 minutes or more can be early inflammatory arthritis. Here is why the first months matter.

Inflammatory Back Pain: Why Axial Spondyloarthritis Is Diagnosed Years Late

Blog

9 Oct 2026 18 min read

Inflammatory Back Pain: Why Axial Spondyloarthritis Is Diagnosed Years Late

Axial spondyloarthritis takes years to diagnose. Learn the signs of inflammatory back pain and what blood tests, X-rays and MRI can and cannot show.

Can You Have a Broken Hip With a Normal X-Ray? Occult Hip Fractures Explained

Blog

9 Oct 2026 18 min read

Can You Have a Broken Hip With a Normal X-Ray? Occult Hip Fractures Explained

A broken hip can hide on a normal first X-ray. Learn who is at risk, the warning signs after a fall and why fast hospital assessment matters.

Hot, Swollen, Painful Joint? Why Septic Arthritis Is an Emergency

Blog

9 Oct 2026 18 min read

Hot, Swollen, Painful Joint? Why Septic Arthritis Is an Emergency

A single hot, swollen, painful joint needs same-day hospital assessment. Why septic arthritis is an emergency, and what to do.

Cauda Equina Syndrome: Warning Signs and Why Hours Matter

Blog

9 Oct 2026 17 min read

Cauda Equina Syndrome: Warning Signs and Why Hours Matter

Numbness around the genitals or bottom, or new bladder or bowel problems with back pain, needs A&E today. Here is why, and what the evidence shows.

Back Pain With a Fever: Spinal Infection and Why It Is Often Diagnosed Late

Blog

9 Oct 2026 17 min read

Back Pain With a Fever: Spinal Infection and Why It Is Often Diagnosed Late

Most back pain is not serious, but back pain with a fever can be a sign of a rare spinal infection. Learn the warning signs and when to get help.

Eight Months of Heel Pain: A Calcaneal Fracture Found on MRI, and Why We Diagnose First

Blog

5 Oct 2026 12 min read

Eight Months of Heel Pain: A Calcaneal Fracture Found on MRI, and Why We Diagnose First

Eight months of heel pain treated with physiotherapy, then an MRI found a fracture of the heel bone. How calcaneal fractures get missed, and why at LSRI we diagnose first and treat second.

Shoulder Pain Not Getting Better With Physio? When You Need an MRI

Blog

5 Oct 2026 11 min read

Shoulder Pain Not Getting Better With Physio? When You Need an MRI

Months of physiotherapy for shoulder pain, then an MRI showed the problem was inside the bone. Why some shoulder problems need an MRI, and when to ask for one.

Sacral Insufficiency Fracture: A Hidden Cause of Back and Buttock Pain, and What It Says About Your Bones

Blog

5 Oct 2026 17 min read

Sacral Insufficiency Fracture: A Hidden Cause of Back and Buttock Pain, and What It Says About Your Bones

Three months of back and buttock pain turned out to be a sacral insufficiency fracture. Why it is missed, and what it means for bone health: osteoporosis, DEXA, vitamin D and alendronic acid.

Missed Periods in Athletes Are a Warning Sign: The Female Athlete Triad, REDs and Bone Health

Blog

5 Oct 2026 12 min read

Missed Periods in Athletes Are a Warning Sign: The Female Athlete Triad, REDs and Bone Health

Missed periods are not a normal part of hard training. The female athlete triad and REDs explained, with the warning signs athletes, parents and coaches should not ignore.

Gelatinous Bone Marrow Transformation in Anorexia Nervosa: What MRI Shows and Why It Matters

Blog

5 Oct 2026 13 min read

Gelatinous Bone Marrow Transformation in Anorexia Nervosa: What MRI Shows and Why It Matters

Severe undernutrition can change the bone marrow itself. What gelatinous marrow transformation (serous atrophy) is, how MRI shows it, why it matters, and where to find support.

Hip Pain That Won’t Settle: Stress Fractures of the Hip and Why MRI Matters

Blog

5 Oct 2026 14 min read

Hip Pain That Won’t Settle: Stress Fractures of the Hip and Why MRI Matters

More than a month of hip pain treated with physiotherapy turned out to be a femoral neck stress fracture. The warning signs, why X-rays miss it and why MRI matters.

Four Years of Shoulder Pain: Osteoarthritis and Avascular Necrosis of the Shoulder

Blog

5 Oct 2026 12 min read

Four Years of Shoulder Pain: Osteoarthritis and Avascular Necrosis of the Shoulder

Four years of shoulder pain treated with physiotherapy and steroid injections turned out to be osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis of the humeral head.

Spinal Metastases: Symptoms, Warning Signs and Why Early MRI Matters

Blog

5 Oct 2026 12 min read

Spinal Metastases: Symptoms, Warning Signs and Why Early MRI Matters

Ongoing back pain treated as routine turned out to be widespread spinal metastases. Symptoms, spinal cord compression warning signs and why early MRI matters.

Can Back Pain Be a Sign of Cancer? A Case of Nine Months of Back Pain

Blog

5 Oct 2026 13 min read

Can Back Pain Be a Sign of Cancer? A Case of Nine Months of Back Pain

Nine months of back pain treated as mechanical turned out to be cancer in the sacrum. The warning signs, why X-rays can miss it, and when to ask for a scan.

Is a Cheap MRI Scan Worth It? What Really Decides MRI Quality

Blog

5 Oct 2026 20 min read

Is a Cheap MRI Scan Worth It? What Really Decides MRI Quality

What really decides MRI quality: field strength, coils, slice thickness, protocol and who reports your scan, plus 10 questions to ask before you book.

News & Insights

1 Oct 2026 11 min read

MRI or Ultrasound: Which Scan Do You Need for Joint Pain?

MRI or ultrasound for joint pain? What each scan shows best, where X-ray fits in, when no scan is needed, and how we choose the right first test.

News & Insights

1 Oct 2026 8 min read

What Happens at an Ultrasound-Guided Injection Appointment?

What happens during an ultrasound-guided injection? How to prepare, why we scan first, the injection step by step, aftercare and follow-up.

News & Insights

1 Oct 2026 8 min read

Which Knee Injection Is Best for Osteoarthritis? Steroid, Hyaluronic Acid, PRP and Hydrogel Compared

Steroid, hyaluronic acid, PRP or hydrogel? An honest comparison of knee injections for osteoarthritis and what the evidence shows.

News & Insights

1 Oct 2026 8 min read

Hydrodistension or Steroid Injection for Frozen Shoulder?

Steroid injection or hydrodistension for frozen shoulder? How each works, what the research says, and the factors that help decide which suits you.

Ultrasound-Guided Shoulder Injections in London

Uncategorized

4 May 2026 4 min read

Ultrasound-Guided Shoulder Injections in London

An ultrasound-guided shoulder injection — performed by a specialist musculoskeletal radiologist — is one of the most effective, fastest-acting treatments available for a range of painful shoulder conditions. This guide explains the three main shoulder injection sites, what each one treats, what to expect on the day, and why ultrasound guidance is essential for accuracy […]

PRP Injections for the Shoulder in London

Uncategorized

4 May 2026 4 min read

PRP Injections for the Shoulder in London

PRP injections for the shoulder offer a powerful, evidence-based alternative to steroids. If you have been told you need a shoulder injection but are concerned about the effects of repeated steroid injections, or if you have already had steroid injections that have stopped working, regenerative injection therapies — particularly PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and hyaluronic acid […]

Shoulder Ultrasound Scan in London: Scan and Treat

Uncategorized

4 May 2026 4 min read

Shoulder Ultrasound Scan in London: Scan and Treat

Shoulder ultrasound is one of the most powerful and versatile diagnostic tools available for shoulder pain. Unlike an X-ray, it shows soft tissue structures in real-time. Unlike MRI, it allows dynamic assessment — watching tendons and the bursa move as you rotate and elevate your arm. And crucially, when a problem is identified, an ultrasound-guided […]

Shoulder MRI Scan in London: What It Shows

Uncategorized

4 May 2026 4 min read

Shoulder MRI Scan in London: What It Shows

A shoulder MRI scan provides detailed soft tissue imaging that no other scan can match for depth and comprehensiveness. If you have persistent shoulder pain, a clicking or catching sensation in your shoulder, weakness when lifting, or pain that is not improving with physiotherapy or anti-inflammatories, a shoulder MRI scan is likely the most important […]

7 Best Avascular Necrosis Hip Exercises for Safe Rehab

Clinical Insights

3 May 2026 6 min read

7 Best Avascular Necrosis Hip Exercises for Safe Rehab

Avascular necrosis hip exercises requires expert diagnosis and management. Beyond cycling and hydrotherapy, there is a rich range of non-weight bearing exercises for avascular necrosis (AVN) that target every major muscle group around the hip. They are set out below by position and purpose. The Core Principle Non-weight bearing means the femoral head is not […]

5 Amazing Hydrotherapy Avascular Necrosis Hip Benefits

Clinical Insights

3 May 2026 6 min read

5 Amazing Hydrotherapy Avascular Necrosis Hip Benefits

Hydrotherapy avascular necrosis hip requires expert diagnosis and management. Both hydrotherapy and stationary cycling are considered first-line conservative interventions for avascular necrosis (AVN) rehabilitation. They achieve the cardinal goal: maintaining fitness, strength, and mobility without compressing the vulnerable femoral head. Why Offloading Is Everything in AVN The necrotic femoral head is mechanically weakened and at […]

1 Proven Avascular Necrosis Hip Rehabilitation Protocol

Clinical Insights

3 May 2026 6 min read

1 Proven Avascular Necrosis Hip Rehabilitation Protocol

Avascular necrosis hip rehabilitation requires expert diagnosis and management. Early-stage (Stage 1–2) AVN rehabilitation must prioritise joint offloading and muscle activation rather than aggressive loading. The evidence-based exercise framework is set out below: The Golden Rule: Protect the Femoral Head The entire early rehab programme is built around one principle — reduce compressive load on […]

Hip Osteonecrosis (AVN): Early MRI Diagnosis in London

Clinical Insights

3 May 2026 7 min read

Hip Osteonecrosis (AVN): Early MRI Diagnosis in London

If you have had hip pain for three months or more and been told it is “just wear and tear” or early arthritis, this post is for you. As a specialist in sports and rheumatology imaging, I regularly see patients who have been living with avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip — also called osteonecrosis […]

Lateral Knee or Hip Pain in Runners – When ITB Syndrome Is Really Gluteal Tendinopathy (And Why Imaging Matters)

Running & Hip/Knee Pain

27 Apr 2026 10 min read

Lateral Knee or Hip Pain in Runners – When ITB Syndrome Is Really Gluteal Tendinopathy (And Why Imaging Matters)

Outside-of-knee pain. Lateral hip pain. Tight IT band. Weak glutes. ITB syndrome and gluteal tendinopathy are extremely common issues that cause confusion for athletes. If you are a runner or triathlete, you have probably heard all these phrases – and perhaps been told you have iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome or “glute weakness” without anyone ever […]

Running & Bone Stress Injuries

27 Apr 2026 7 min read

Post-Marathon Pain: When Runners Need an MRI Scan

Post marathon pain is one of the most common worries runners have after big races like the London Marathon. At LSRI – London Sports and Rheumatology Imaging, Dr Prashant Sankaye FRCR regularly sees runners whose “niggles” are actually early bone stress injuries. This article explains when soreness is normal, when it could be a stress […]

Two Years of “Patellar Tendonitis” – When Anterior Knee Pain Is Really Severe Patellar Tendinopathy and Hoffa’s Fat Pad Impingement

Blog

27 Apr 2026 10 min read

Two Years of “Patellar Tendonitis” – When Anterior Knee Pain Is Really Severe Patellar Tendinopathy and Hoffa’s Fat Pad Impingement

Delayed diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy is far more common than most runners and active patients realise, especially when long‑standing anterior knee pain is labelled as “tendonitis” and treated for months without imaging. Two years of pain, repeated courses of non‑specific physiotherapy and no clear explanation is sadly a familiar story at LSRI, LondonSportsImaging and HarleyStreetScan. […]

1 Crucial Elbow Tumour Delayed Diagnosis MRI London Case

Blog

18 Apr 2026 17 min read

1 Crucial Elbow Tumour Delayed Diagnosis MRI London Case

A year of elbow pain, treated as a soft-tissue problem, turned out to be a tumour. This case shows why persistent, unexplained pain needs the right scan. Last medically reviewed: April 2026 by Dr Prashant Sankaye FRCR, Consultant Musculoskeletal, Spine and Sports Radiologist. A sore elbow. A referral to physiotherapy. Some anti-inflammatory tablets. More physiotherapy. […]

Delayed Diagnosis of Stress Fractures: The Hidden Epidemic of Unexplained Pain

Blog

16 Apr 2026 17 min read

Delayed Diagnosis of Stress Fractures: The Hidden Epidemic of Unexplained Pain

By Dr Prashant Sankaye FRCR, Consultant Musculoskeletal, Spine & Sports Radiologist | LSRI & ScannearmeLast medically reviewed: April 2026 by Dr Prashant Sankaye FRCR, Consultant Musculoskeletal, Spine & Sports Radiologist “It shouldn’t be a question of luck.” That was the message from Health Secretary Wes Streeting in April 2026 as he announced £237 million of […]

Knee MRI Scan Explained: A Patient Guide by Dr Prashant Sankaye

Blog

6 Apr 2026 8 min read

Knee MRI Scan Explained: A Patient Guide by Dr Prashant Sankaye

Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical imaging in the UK. Whether you are a footballer, a runner, an older adult with joint pain, or someone who twisted their knee on the stairs, a knee MRI scan is often the most important diagnostic step you can take. At London Sports […]

Stem Cell Therapy: Why Patients Are Being Misled — And What You Must Know Before Spending Thousands

News & Insights

6 Apr 2026 14 min read

Stem Cell Therapy: Why Patients Are Being Misled — And What You Must Know Before Spending Thousands

Across the UK and beyond, patients with serious conditions are being targeted by clinics offering stem cell therapies at costs of £5,000 to £50,000 — with promises that have no robust clinical evidence to support them.

Understanding MRI Scans: The Complete Expert Guide for Patients in London

News & Insights

6 Apr 2026 13 min read

Understanding MRI Scans: The Complete Expert Guide for Patients in London

Looking for an MRI scan in London? If you have been referred for an MRI scan — or are considering one — you likely have questions. What exactly is an MRI? How does it differ from a CT scan or X-ray? Should you have a 1.5T or 3T MRI? What if you are claustrophobic? As […]

Can Botox Help Raynaud’s Phenomenon? Evidence, Safety and Who It Might Help

News & Insights

30 Mar 2026 5 min read

Can Botox Help Raynaud’s Phenomenon? Evidence, Safety and Who It Might Help

Raynaud’s phenomenon can be incredibly painful and disruptive, especially when attacks are frequent, prolonged, or complicated by digital ulcers that struggle to heal. For patients with severe, non-responsive symptoms, understanding how botox for Raynaud’s phenomenon works can provide a new pathway for relief. At London Sports and Rheumatology Imaging (LSRI), we see many patients who […]

Sacroiliitis: MRI Diagnosis of SI Joint Pain in London

News & Insights

29 Mar 2026 4 min read

Sacroiliitis: MRI Diagnosis of SI Joint Pain in London

Sacroiliitis — inflammation of the sacroiliac (SI) joints — is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed causes of lower back and hip pain. At LSRI, dedicated MRI diagnosis of SI joint pain is the gold standard investigation we use to distinguish sacroiliitis from lumbar disc disease and prescribe the most effective targeted treatment. Sacroiliitis is […]

6 Essential Tips for Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups

News & Insights

29 Mar 2026 4 min read

6 Essential Tips for Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups

Managing rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups effectively requires both a proactive lifestyle strategy and access to precision imaging tools that go far beyond blood tests. Here, Dr Prashant Sankaye shares practical tips used at LSRI to help patients manage flares, alongside the care of their rheumatology team. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that requires proactive […]

Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis: How 2 Specialist Scans Tell Them Apart

News & Insights

29 Mar 2026 3 min read

Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis: How 2 Specialist Scans Tell Them Apart

Understanding the difference between osteoarthritis vs rheumatoid arthritis is the single most important diagnostic step in joint care. These two conditions share overlapping symptoms but require completely different treatment pathways — and advanced imaging is the definitive way to tell them apart. Arthritis is not a single disease; it refers to over 100 conditions that […]

7 Best Tips for Safe Exercise With Arthritis: The Ultimate Guide

News & Insights

29 Mar 2026 3 min read

7 Best Tips for Safe Exercise With Arthritis: The Ultimate Guide

Following a proper arthritis exercise guide is essential for protecting your joints while staying active. At LSRI, we believe exercise is joint medicine — but only when prescribed based on exactly what your imaging shows about your specific joint health. It is a common myth that exercise “wears out” arthritic joints. In reality, the right […]

Managing Arthritis Pain Without Surgery: An Expert Guide

News & Insights

29 Mar 2026 3 min read

Managing Arthritis Pain Without Surgery: An Expert Guide

Managing chronic arthritis pain without surgery is entirely possible with the right diagnostic approach. At London Sports and Rheumatology Imaging (LSRI), our “Diagnose First, Treat Second” philosophy ensures every patient receives precision-guided care based on exactly what their imaging reveals. Arthritis pain can be debilitating, often leading patients to believe that surgery is their only […]

Can Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Cause Hip Pain?

News & Insights

29 Mar 2026 4 min read

Can Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Cause Hip Pain?

Can pelvic inflammatory disease cause hip pain? The answer is yes — and understanding the complex nerve anatomy behind this referred pain pattern is critical for preventing years of ineffective hip joint treatment. This expert guide from Dr Prashant Sankaye at LSRI explains exactly how PID and other pelvic conditions can produce convincing hip and […]

Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee: Early MRI Diagnosis

Clinical Case Studies

29 Mar 2026 3 min read

Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee: Early MRI Diagnosis

When an athlete or active individual sustains a knee injury, the initial response is typically conservative: rest, ice, and physiotherapy. However, when symptoms like persistent pain, swelling, and joint locking persist for months without improvement, an urgent diagnostic review is required. Delaying advanced imaging in these scenarios is not just frustrating for the patient—it can […]

Why Is Early Imaging Important? What a Delayed Diagnosis Can Cost

Blog

29 Mar 2026 21 min read

Why Is Early Imaging Important? What a Delayed Diagnosis Can Cost

Which bone, joint and spine problems cannot wait, which can, what scans can and cannot show, and how to get a faster, safer diagnosis.

Clinical Case Studies: LSRI Clinical Case Studies in MSK & Radiology

News & Insights

29 Mar 2026 4 min read

Clinical Case Studies: LSRI Clinical Case Studies in MSK & Radiology

Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist and Clinical Director of London Sports and Rheumatology Imaging (LSRI), has officially launched a dedicated series of clinical case studies in MSK imaging — demonstrating, through real anonymised patient journeys, how early and accurate diagnosis transforms orthopaedic outcomes. London Sports and Rheumatology Imaging (LSRI) is delighted to announce that […]

Avascular Necrosis: Why a Delayed Diagnosis Needs an Early MRI

Clinical Case Studies

29 Mar 2026 4 min read

Avascular Necrosis: Why a Delayed Diagnosis Needs an Early MRI

✍️ Written by: LSRI Clinical Team🩺 Medically Reviewed by: Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant Musculoskeletal specialist and Radiologist, MBBS, MS, FCPS, MRCS, CCBST, FRCR, PGCE(Med), FHEA, PGDip Sports and Exercise Medicine📅 Last Updated: March 29, 2026⏱️ Read Time: 5 Minutes Many musculoskeletal problems improve with time, activity modification, and well-planned rehabilitation. However, when pain persists, symptoms […]

SLAP Lesion Shoulder MRI: Expert Diagnosis & Care

News & Insights

28 Mar 2026 4 min read

SLAP Lesion Shoulder MRI: Expert Diagnosis & Care

A SLAP lesion shoulder injury — Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior tear — is one of the most diagnostically challenging conditions in sports orthopaedics. At LSRI London, specialist MRI diagnosis using MR Arthrography provides the definitive imaging required to classify tear type, guide treatment decisions, and avoid unnecessary surgery. Shoulder instability, deep aching pain, and […]

Gel Injections vs Knee Surgery: What the Evidence Shows

News & Insights

27 Mar 2026 4 min read

Gel Injections vs Knee Surgery: What the Evidence Shows

Choosing between gel injections vs knee surgery for cartilage loss is one of the most consequential decisions in orthopaedic care. At LSRI London, we assess your knee before any treatment recommendation, ensuring you receive the most appropriate intervention, not simply the most aggressive one. The degradation of articular cartilage in the knee is one of […]

NHS Delays Hit 4 in 10 Patients, BBC Warns: How a Private MRI or Ultrasound Scan Puts You Back in Control

News & Insights

17 Mar 2026 6 min read

NHS Delays Hit 4 in 10 Patients, BBC Warns: How a Private MRI or Ultrasound Scan Puts You Back in Control

By Dr. Prashant Sankaye MBBS, MS, FRCR, FCPS, PGCEmed, FHEA | Consultant MSK Radiologist & Clinical Director, LSRI Harley Street | 17 March 2026 A major new report from Healthwatch England, covered extensively by BBC News, has confirmed what many patients already know: nearly four in 10 people in England wait longer than the NHS […]

Mounjaro, Fat Loss, and Joint Pain: How Weight-Loss Drugs Transform Orthopaedic Health

Joint Health

12 Mar 2026 4 min read

Mounjaro, Fat Loss, and Joint Pain: How Weight-Loss Drugs Transform Orthopaedic Health

Are weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro and Ozempic the missing link for your joint pain? Dr Prashant Sankaye explains the powerful connection between rapid fat loss, systemic inflammation, and osteoarthritis recovery.

Spine MRI for Back Pain: When You Need a Scan

MRI Scans

12 Mar 2026 7 min read

Spine MRI for Back Pain: When You Need a Scan

Lower back pain is incredibly common, but when is it serious enough to warrant an MRI? Dr Prashant Sankaye outlines the "red flags" and conditions that require advanced imaging.

Lumps and Bumps Clinic London: 7 Key Signs Your Lump Needs Checking

Ultrasound

12 Mar 2026 6 min read

Lumps and Bumps Clinic London: 7 Key Signs Your Lump Needs Checking

Found a lump under your skin? Don't panic, but don't ignore it. Dr Prashant Sankaye discusses why a rapid ultrasound scan at LSRI is the safest, fastest way to get peace of mind.

Understanding Your MRI Scan Results: A Guide by Dr Prashant Sankaye

MRI Scans

12 Mar 2026 6 min read

Understanding Your MRI Scan Results: A Guide by Dr Prashant Sankaye

Decode your MRI scan report with expert insights from Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist at LSRI. Learn what terms like "effusion" and "tear" mean for your recovery.

Arthrosamid Knee Injection London: Expert Protocol

Injections

22 Feb 2026 3 min read

Arthrosamid Knee Injection London: Expert Protocol

Arthrosamid Knee Injection London: The Gold Standard Protocol Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is more than just wear and tear; it is a progressive condition that impacts every aspect of a patient’s life. For those seeking Arthrosamid Knee Injection London, LSRI offers a pioneering approach that goes beyond standard care. Our LSRI Precision Protocol ensures that this […]

MRI Scans

22 Feb 2026 3 min read

Executive MRI Scans in London: Fast, Consultant-Reported Imaging

Why “Standard” Healthcare Doesn’t Work for You As a high-performing executive or elite athlete, you understand that time is your most valuable asset. When injury strikes—whether it’s a persistent back ache from the boardroom or a knee injury from the ski slopes—waiting weeks for a referral or days for a generic report isn’t just inconvenient; it’s […]

Ultrasound

22 Feb 2026 4 min read

The Gold Standard for Pain Relief: Why You Should Always Demand Ultrasound-Guided Injections

Why Precision is Non-Negotiable in Sports Medicine If you are suffering from joint pain, chronic tendinopathy, or a sports injury, an injection is often the fastest route to recovery. But how that injection is delivered is just as important as the medication inside the syringe. Traditionally, doctors performed injections using “surface anatomy”—feeling for the […]

Injections

20 Feb 2025 5 min read

Advanced Specialist Injections for Pain Relief & Joint Health at LSRI

Chronic pain, inflammation, and musculoskeletal injuries can significantly impact your quality of life. At London Sports & Rheumatology Imaging (LSRI), we offer a range of specialist injections designed to alleviate discomfort and promote healing. Our treatments include Ultrasound-Guided Steroid Injections, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections, Hyaluronic Acid Injections, Botox and targeted Joint Injections. Ultrasound-Guided Steroid Injections […]

Imaging

13 Feb 2025 6 min read

The Role of Rheumatology Imaging in Managing Chronic Joint Pain

Chronic joint pain affects millions of people worldwide, often leading to reduced mobility, discomfort, and a diminished quality of life. While there are many potential causes—such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and other musculoskeletal conditions—accurate diagnosis and ongoing monitoring are essential for effective treatment. This is where rheumatology imaging plays a critical role. Advanced imaging […]

PRP Therapy for Musculoskeletal Injuries: How It Works and What the Evidence Shows

Injections

3 Dec 2024 4 min read

PRP Therapy for Musculoskeletal Injuries: How It Works and What the Evidence Shows

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a groundbreaking treatment that harnesses the body’s natural healing mechanisms to address musculoskeletal injuries. With growing recognition in sports medicine, orthopaedics, and pain management, PRP therapy offers a minimally invasive solution for conditions ranging from tendon injuries to arthritis. This blog delves into the science behind PRP therapy, exploring how […]

Clinical Expertise, Insights, and Patient Education

Stress Fractures in Runners, HYROX and Triathletes: Sites, MRI Grades and Recovery

Shin Splints or a Stress Fracture? How to Tell, When to Get an MRI and How to Recover

Botulinum Toxin Beyond Cosmetics: Medical Uses, Evidence and Safety

T1 vs T2 MRI and Other Sequences Explained: Why Your Scan’s Settings Matter

Booking a Private MRI Online? What to Check Before You Pay

Sudden, Severe Shoulder Pain? Acute Calcific Tendinitis Explained

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (Mummy Thumb): Symptoms, Treatment and When an Injection Helps

Frozen Shoulder and the Menopause: Is There a Link, and What Helps?

How Long Does Tennis Elbow Last? What Actually Helps, From Exercise to Injections

Do You Need a GP Referral for a Private MRI? How It Works in the UK

Can an MRI Miss Something? Why Scan Findings Get Missed, and How to Reduce the Risk

The Radiology Consultation: Why Our Radiologist Talks to You Before Reporting Your Scan

Who Reports Your MRI Matters: MSK Radiologists and Scan Protocols

Think a Radiologist Missed Something on Your Scan? Why Every Scan Is Kept, and How Fair Review Works

Knee Locked or Giving Way After an Injury? When an MRI Really Matters

A Lump Under the Skin? When to Get It Checked and Why the First Scan Matters

Wrist Pain After a Fall? Why a Normal X-Ray Doesn’t Rule Out a Scaphoid Fracture

Swollen, Stiff Joints in the Morning? Why the First 3 Months of Arthritis Matter

Inflammatory Back Pain: Why Axial Spondyloarthritis Is Diagnosed Years Late

Can You Have a Broken Hip With a Normal X-Ray? Occult Hip Fractures Explained

Hot, Swollen, Painful Joint? Why Septic Arthritis Is an Emergency

Cauda Equina Syndrome: Warning Signs and Why Hours Matter

Back Pain With a Fever: Spinal Infection and Why It Is Often Diagnosed Late

Eight Months of Heel Pain: A Calcaneal Fracture Found on MRI, and Why We Diagnose First

Shoulder Pain Not Getting Better With Physio? When You Need an MRI

Sacral Insufficiency Fracture: A Hidden Cause of Back and Buttock Pain, and What It Says About Your Bones

Missed Periods in Athletes Are a Warning Sign: The Female Athlete Triad, REDs and Bone Health

Gelatinous Bone Marrow Transformation in Anorexia Nervosa: What MRI Shows and Why It Matters

Hip Pain That Won’t Settle: Stress Fractures of the Hip and Why MRI Matters

Four Years of Shoulder Pain: Osteoarthritis and Avascular Necrosis of the Shoulder

Spinal Metastases: Symptoms, Warning Signs and Why Early MRI Matters

Can Back Pain Be a Sign of Cancer? A Case of Nine Months of Back Pain

Is a Cheap MRI Scan Worth It? What Really Decides MRI Quality

MRI or Ultrasound: Which Scan Do You Need for Joint Pain?

What Happens at an Ultrasound-Guided Injection Appointment?

Which Knee Injection Is Best for Osteoarthritis? Steroid, Hyaluronic Acid, PRP and Hydrogel Compared

Hydrodistension or Steroid Injection for Frozen Shoulder?

Ultrasound-Guided Shoulder Injections in London

PRP Injections for the Shoulder in London

Shoulder Ultrasound Scan in London: Scan and Treat

Shoulder MRI Scan in London: What It Shows

7 Best Avascular Necrosis Hip Exercises for Safe Rehab

5 Amazing Hydrotherapy Avascular Necrosis Hip Benefits

1 Proven Avascular Necrosis Hip Rehabilitation Protocol

Hip Osteonecrosis (AVN): Early MRI Diagnosis in London

Lateral Knee or Hip Pain in Runners – When ITB Syndrome Is Really Gluteal Tendinopathy (And Why Imaging Matters)

Post-Marathon Pain: When Runners Need an MRI Scan

Two Years of “Patellar Tendonitis” – When Anterior Knee Pain Is Really Severe Patellar Tendinopathy and Hoffa’s Fat Pad Impingement

1 Crucial Elbow Tumour Delayed Diagnosis MRI London Case

Delayed Diagnosis of Stress Fractures: The Hidden Epidemic of Unexplained Pain

Knee MRI Scan Explained: A Patient Guide by Dr Prashant Sankaye

Stem Cell Therapy: Why Patients Are Being Misled — And What You Must Know Before Spending Thousands

Understanding MRI Scans: The Complete Expert Guide for Patients in London

Can Botox Help Raynaud’s Phenomenon? Evidence, Safety and Who It Might Help

Sacroiliitis: MRI Diagnosis of SI Joint Pain in London

6 Essential Tips for Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups

Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis: How 2 Specialist Scans Tell Them Apart

7 Best Tips for Safe Exercise With Arthritis: The Ultimate Guide

Managing Arthritis Pain Without Surgery: An Expert Guide

Can Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Cause Hip Pain?

Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee: Early MRI Diagnosis

Why Is Early Imaging Important? What a Delayed Diagnosis Can Cost

Clinical Case Studies: LSRI Clinical Case Studies in MSK & Radiology

Avascular Necrosis: Why a Delayed Diagnosis Needs an Early MRI

SLAP Lesion Shoulder MRI: Expert Diagnosis & Care

Gel Injections vs Knee Surgery: What the Evidence Shows

NHS Delays Hit 4 in 10 Patients, BBC Warns: How a Private MRI or Ultrasound Scan Puts You Back in Control

Mounjaro, Fat Loss, and Joint Pain: How Weight-Loss Drugs Transform Orthopaedic Health

Spine MRI for Back Pain: When You Need a Scan

Lumps and Bumps Clinic London: 7 Key Signs Your Lump Needs Checking

Understanding Your MRI Scan Results: A Guide by Dr Prashant Sankaye

Arthrosamid Knee Injection London: Expert Protocol

Executive MRI Scans in London: Fast, Consultant-Reported Imaging

The Gold Standard for Pain Relief: Why You Should Always Demand Ultrasound-Guided Injections

Advanced Specialist Injections for Pain Relief & Joint Health at LSRI

The Role of Rheumatology Imaging in Managing Chronic Joint Pain

PRP Therapy for Musculoskeletal Injuries: How It Works and What the Evidence Shows

CPD Accredited Medical Training

Accredited Excellence