If you’ve had an orthopaedic problem or injury before, you’ve probably had some diagnostic imaging (scans) done to provide more details on the current status of your joints, bones and muscles. These could include:
When you come to your initial consultation with one of our orthopaedic surgeons, there is plenty of time to discuss your issues. Your consultant may be able to diagnose your problem there and then based on the scan results you already have, and get you started on a course of treatment. They may also request further scans to be done, to make sure they have (literally) the full picture.
Looking for a diagnosis or scan appointment for your joint pain or mobility issues?
Contact us here at Joint Reaction to discover how our experienced consultants use the latest scans and diagnostics to diagnose and treat you without long waits or delays.
Why your consultant might request new scans
The main reasons why one of our experienced orthopaedic consultant surgeons might send you for further scans include:
Length of time since your last scan
Scans are quite literally a snapshot of your condition at the moment you had the scan done. If your scans were done even just a few weeks ago, your condition may have worsened. Comparing the old and new scans will show any changes,- invaluable information for your Joint Reaction consultant to give you a more accurate diagnosis and assess your need for surgery, or not. (Only 30% of new patients at Joint Reaction actually require surgery.)
Have previous treatments worked?
Equally, if you’ve had treatments such as physio or injections since your last scan, your treatment may have helped. A new set of scans will show that progress, and inform what future treatments would help further.
Scans at the wrong angles
Just like a photo, the angle you take a scan at affects how much (or little) of the joint, muscles and bones can be seen. Your Joint Reaction consultant may request scans in a particular plane (angle) to show an area of your joint from a different perspective. This detailed insight enables your consultant to prescribe very precise treatments including highly targeted physiotherapy. When your physio knows from your consultant which muscle group to work on, and specific movements to do, they can make your treatments much more effective, to relieve pain, and give you more mobility.
The wrong type of scan
Imaging technology has changed almost beyond recognition over the past 20 years, with incredible clarity and remarkable accuracy. However, not every scan type is suitable for all investigations, as different types of scans are better at visualising different tissues and joint structures as opposed to just bones.
For example, an MRI scan is often used to investigate orthopaedic injuries, as it can show ligaments, cartilage, joints, muscles and bone damage. However, it may not show the full picture for all conditions or injuries, so your consultant may request another type, or maybe two.
A more advanced scan
Your previous scan results may have been inconclusive or borderline, so your consultant may require a different and/or more detailed scan. Your original scan might also be blurred or not sufficient for your consultant. So, they might ‘upgrade’ your scan from ultrasound to an MRI to make a more accurate diagnosis, for example.
New symptoms
If you develop new symptoms, or have an increase in pain, a new scan can help determine the cause. Your Joint Reaction orthopaedic consultant can then advise if a new or different treatment plan is needed.
You don’t have any scans yet
Scan appointments requested by your GP or NHS specialist can take a long time to come through. So you might still be waiting for a scan months after it was requested. The private scanning services in the hospitals we use have waiting times of days, not weeks, and a quicker return of results, sometimes in as little as 48hours .
Why choose a private scan with Joint Reaction
At Joint Reaction, you will always see one of our orthopaedic consultants before any scans are requested. So you know you’re getting the scans you need, and they will meet all the criteria for a proper diagnosis.
By going private for your orthopaedic scans, you cut out weeks of waiting time. With Joint Reaction, all types of can be arranged at your consultant appointment, sometimes even for the same day! Images taken are assessed by a musculoskeletal radiologist, who sends a detailed report direct to your consultant at Joint Reaction. X-rays are often done during the consultation and can be seen straight away. Other imaging processes take longer to arrange.
No scans and facing a long wait to get them done?
Contact us here at Joint Reaction to book an appointment and talk through your joint issues with our next available specialist consultant.
Orthopaedic Imaging and Scans FAQs
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner uses radio waves and magnetic fields to take images of the inside of your body. You lie on a platform which gently slides into a large tube, which is controlled by the radiographer. A MRI scan is painless, safe and non-invasive, although it can be a bit noisy and you’ll need to lie as still as possible. Your radiographer will guide you through the process from start to finish. Since no radiation is involved in an MRI scan, it can be safely used for multiple imaging to monitor progress during treatments.
A CT scan (computed tomography or CAT scan) uses x-rays to produce highly detailed 2D and 3D images of bones, blood vessels and organs. For a CT scan, you lie on a bed which gently slides through the scanner, which rotates around you to get the best 2D images possible. A computer then puts together multiple 2D images to create a 3D image. As with all scans, your radiographer will guide you through the process from start to finish.
A bone density scan, or DEXA scan, measures the mineral density of your bones. It uses x-rays to diagnose and assess the risk and progress of orthopaedic conditions such as osteoporosis. A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan features a scanning arm that passes over your body when you are lying down. It is often used imaging of the lower back and hips, or for monitoring bone health after treatment. It uses a low dose of radiation, is painless, and takes around 10-20 minutes.
According to one medical paper:
“With its outstanding diagnostic benefits, notably high resolution and capability of real time assessment, orthopedic ultrasound is often referred to as the “orthopedic surgeon’s stethoscope”. (1)
Ultrasound scanners use sound waves to show “live” images of the body. Unlike CT and x-rays, there is no radiation involved, and it is safe to use on people who already have metal implants. A hand-held device (probe) is run over your gel-lubricated skin by your healthcare professional, with the image displayed on a screen in real time.
Discography is often used in diagnosing chronic back pain. Using fluorescent dye, a discogram is a real-time, moving x-ray image. This test enables orthopaedic surgeons to look at the discs between your vertebrae in your spine, and diagnose a worn or damaged spinal disk. It is also used to confirm findings on an earlier CT or MRI scan. Your Joint Reaction consultant may discuss cervical or lumbar discograms with you.
• Cervical discograms are used to assess neck or upper back pain,
• Lumbar discograms are used for lower back pain (2)
An MR arthrogram is an MRI scan used to loom specifically at your joints, such as your shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. Your radiologist will inject contrast medium (a liquid that shows up on the MRI scans) into the joint to be examined. It is then scanned as normal. (3)
IMPORTANT: This article on orthopaedic scans is for your information only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. When you first meet your Joint Reaction consultant, they will discuss any previous diagnosis or scans you may have.
SOURCES:
(1) Blankstein A. “Ultrasound in the diagnosis of clinical orthopedics: The orthopedic stethoscope.” World J Orthop. 2011 Feb 18;2(2):13-24. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v2.i2.13. PMID: 22474631; PMCID: PMC3302037.
(2) Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Discogram (discography). Retrieved November 19, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/discogram
(3) University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust. (2024, May). MRI – arthrogram (Patient information leaflet) [PDF]. https://www.uhcw.nhs.uk/download/clientfiles/files/Patient%20Information%20Leaflets/Clinical%20Diagnostic%20Services/Radiology/MRI/MRI%20-%20Arthrogram.pdf