Patient lying on a scanner table with two clinicians beside the scanner

Elbow MRI Scan in London

Scans at partner imaging centres in London and across the UK. Consultations at Harley Street and Harrow.

A private elbow MRI, reported by a consultant musculoskeletal (MSK) radiologist, usually within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are available at partner imaging centres in London and across the UK, from £375 (scan and report only).

From £375 · scan and report only
Same-day appointments
Report usually within 24 hours

Call 0203 633 5040 Book online

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GMC / FRCR Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist

What an elbow MRI shows

Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow (tendon damage on the outer or inner side of the elbow)
Tears of the biceps or triceps tendon
Ligament injuries, including in throwing and racket sports
Cartilage damage and loose fragments in the joint
Bone bruising, small fractures and arthritis
Irritation of the ulnar nerve at the elbow
Lumps and swellings around the elbow

When you might need one

Elbow pain that hasn't improved after several weeks of rest or physiotherapy
A sudden pop at the front of the elbow with bruising or weakness after lifting (tell us when you book, as this needs a prompt scan)
Locking, catching or loss of movement in the elbow
Pins and needles or numbness in the ring and little fingers
Before seeing an elbow surgeon

Go to A&E if your elbow looks misshapen after a fall or you can't move it, or if it is hot, red and swollen and you feel unwell. Do not wait for a private scan.

What happens

1

Book

Call 0203 633 5040 or book online, and tell us briefly about your symptoms.
2

Safety check

We check that MRI is safe for you (for example pacemakers, implants or metal fragments) and that the scan suits your symptoms.
3

Your scan

At a partner imaging centre in London or elsewhere in the UK. It is painless, uses no X-rays and usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the area scanned.
4

Your report

A consultant musculoskeletal radiologist usually reports your scan within 24 hours.
5

Talk it through

Choose MRI with a consultation (from £425) and a consultant MSK radiologist will go through your findings and next steps with you.

Cost and what's included

Elbow MRI from £375

Scan and report only

With a consultation: from £425

Included in the price:

the scan at a partner imaging centre
a report from a consultant radiologist, usually within 24 hours
your digital images

See all prices

Pay by card; payment plans are available, so ask us for details. Using health insurance? Dr Sankaye is recognised by the major insurers and is Bupa fee-assured; call us and we'll help you check your cover.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a private elbow MRI cost?

An elbow MRI at LSRI costs from £375. That includes the scan, a report from a consultant radiologist, usually within 24 hours, and your digital images. It does not include a consultation or advice on treatment. For that, choose MRI with a consultation, from £425.

Do I need an MRI for tennis elbow?

Usually not at first. Tennis elbow is often diagnosed from your symptoms, and ultrasound can show the tendon. An MRI helps when the pain hasn't settled after several months, when another cause is possible, or before seeing a surgeon.

How long does an elbow MRI take?

Usually 20 to 40 minutes. You lie still with your arm in a padded coil, either by your side or above your head, depending on the scanner. The scan is painless and uses no X-rays.

Do I need a GP referral?

Not if you are paying for yourself. Our team checks every request to make sure the scan suits your symptoms. If you are claiming on health insurance, your insurer may ask for a referral first.

How quickly will I get my results?

A consultant musculoskeletal radiologist usually reports your scan within 24 hours. If you would like to go through the results and next steps, choose MRI with a consultation, from £425. Whichever you choose, we will contact you if your report shows anything urgent or unexpected.

Which MRI scanner will I have?

Most scans are on a 1.5 Tesla scanner, which gives clear pictures of joints, tendons, nerves and bone. A 3 Tesla scanner is available at some London centres. Your consultant radiologist chooses how your scan is done for your symptoms.

Can I have more than one area scanned?

Yes. Each body part is a separate scan, each from £375 (scan and report only), and we confirm your total before you book.

Should I have an MRI or an ultrasound of my elbow?

Ultrasound shows the tendons and nerves around the elbow well and can be done during a clinic visit. MRI also shows the bone, the cartilage and the inside of the joint. If you are not sure which you need, call us and we'll advise.

Testimonials

What Our Patients Say

"Very good. Excellent. I rang, got answered, filled in form uploading gp referral letter and consultant opinion, got MRI next day, doctor video called me next day … Extremely smooth. 48 hours from first phone call to doctor video conference."

Roddy C. · Google review · October 2026

Our clinics

Two clinics, one team

Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, sees patients at Harley Street in central London and at our Northwest London clinic in Harrow. Call one number to book at either clinic.