07946 426514

MRI Scan for the Knee in Bristol

Fast, Affordable Knee MRI – Self-Referral Accepted

If you are experiencing persistent knee pain, swelling, locking or instability and want answers quickly, a private MRI knee scan at The Hanham Clinic in Bristol provides high-resolution imaging without the delays of an NHS waiting list.

Our brand-new MRI scanner, installed in 2026, is specifically designed for musculoskeletal imaging. The open scanner design makes the experience more comfortable, particularly important for patients with anxiety around traditional tunnel scanners or those with larger builds.

Call us on: 07946 426514
Email us: info@hanhamclinic.co.uk

Based at Hanham Hall, Whittucks Road, Bristol, BS15 3FR

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Hanham Hall Building- large white grade 2 listed building with lawn in front
From £299 for a single region scan (introductory rate)
Self-referrals accepted – no GP letter required.

this service is temporary unavailable until further notice

What Does an MRI Knee Scan Show?

An MRI scan of the knee provides detailed imaging of the soft tissue structures that X-ray cannot capture. This makes it the gold standard investigation for most knee injuries and conditions.

A knee MRI at The Hanham Clinic can identify:

  • Meniscus tears – medial and lateral meniscal damage from twisting injuries or degeneration
  • Ligament injuries – including ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL tears or partial tears
  • Cartilage damage – articular cartilage loss or softening (chondromalacia)
  • Tendon pathology – patellar tendinopathy, quadriceps tendon issues
  • Bone marrow oedema – indicating stress reactions, contusions or early arthritic change
  • Bursitis – inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs around the knee joint
  • Knee effusion – excess fluid within the joint
  • Osteoarthritis assessment – extent and distribution of joint space narrowing and cartilage loss
  • Baker’s cyst – fluid collection behind the knee
  • Plica syndrome – irritation of the synovial folds within the knee
MRI Scan machine in The Hanham Clinic Bristol

Who Should Consider a Private MRI Knee Scan in Bristol?

A private MRI knee scan is appropriate for patients who:

  • Have persistent knee pain lasting more than 4–6 weeks that has not resolved with rest or conservative treatment
  • Experienced a specific knee injury, a twist, fall, impact or sporting collision and want a clear diagnosis
  • Have been told they may need knee surgery and want imaging to confirm the extent of damage
  • Are on an NHS waiting list and want faster access to a diagnosis
  • Are active in sport and need to understand an injury before returning to training
  • Have unexplained knee swelling, locking, clicking or giving way
  • Want clarity before deciding on a treatment pathway

Our chiropractors and clinical team can also review your scan findings and advise on appropriate next steps, whether that is conservative treatment, onward referral, or further investigation.

Common Knee Conditions We Scan For

ACL & Ligament Injuries

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are among the most common serious knee injuries in sport, often occurring during sudden changes of direction, landing from a jump, or direct contact. MRI is essential for confirming a full or partial tear and assessing associated damage to other structures.

Meniscus Tears

The menisci are C-shaped cartilage pads that act as shock absorbers in the knee. Tears can occur acutely through twisting injuries or gradually through wear and degeneration. Symptoms typically include pain along the joint line, swelling and difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee.

Knee Osteoarthritis

MRI provides a more detailed assessment of knee osteoarthritis than X-ray alone, showing the extent of cartilage loss, bone marrow changes, and any associated soft tissue inflammation. This information helps guide appropriate treatment decisions.

Patellofemoral Pain

Pain at the front of the knee, often worse going up and down stairs, squatting or after prolonged sitting, may be caused by cartilage softening behind the kneecap or tracking problems. MRI can identify the cause and guide treatment.

Sports Injuries

From weekend runners and gym-goers to competitive athletes, knee injuries are extremely common in active people across Bristol. Our MRI service provides fast access to the imaging needed to get you back to the activities you enjoy.

What to Expect at Your MRI Knee Scan Appointment

Before your scan:

No special preparation is required for a knee MRI. You will be asked to complete a safety questionnaire to check for any contraindications (such as certain metal implants or pacemakers). Please wear or bring comfortable, loose clothing.

During your scan:

You will lie on the scanner table with your knee positioned in the scanner. The open design of our MRI system means you will not be enclosed in a tunnel. The scan typically takes 20–40 minutes depending on the regions being imaged. You will hear some noise during the scan, this is normal.

After your scan:

Your images will be reviewed and reported by a specialist musculoskeletal radiologist. You will receive a full written report, typically within a few working days. If you have had your scan as part of your chiropractic care at The Hanham Clinic, your clinician will discuss the findings with you at your next appointment.

Transparent Pricing

MRI Knee Scan Bristol Pricing

No hidden fees. No surprises. Just clear, competitive pricing for high-quality private MRI scanning in Bristol.

Single region (Knee only)

£299

Introductory rate

Two regions (e.g. Knee + Hip)

£549

Best value — save £49

Frequently Asked Questions – MRI Knee Scan Bristol

Do I need a GP referral for a private MRI knee scan?

No. We accept self-referrals, meaning you can book directly without needing to visit your GP first. If you have an existing referral letter from a GP, physiotherapist or other clinician, please bring it with you as it will provide useful clinical context.

How quickly can I get an appointment?
We offer fast appointment availability compared to NHS waiting times. Contact us to find out current availability.
Is the scanner suitable for claustrophobic patients?
Yes, our open MRI scanner design significantly reduces the enclosed feeling of traditional tunnel MRI scanners, making it more comfortable for patients who experience anxiety in confined spaces.
Will the scan be painful?
MRI scanning is completely painless and non-invasive. You simply need to lie still during the scan. If your knee is painful in certain positions, please let us know when booking and we will do our best to accommodate this.
How do I get my results?
A specialist musculoskeletal radiologist reviews and reports on your scan. You will receive a written report, which you can share with your GP, surgeon or other healthcare professional. If you are a patient at The Hanham Clinic, your clinician can discuss the report findings with you directly.
Can I scan two areas at the same time?
Yes, if you need imaging of two regions (for example, knee and hip, or knee and lower back), this can be arranged for £549 under our introductory two-region pricing.
Is free parking available?
Yes, free on-site parking is available at Hanham Hall. There is also ground floor access and disabled parking.

Our Coverage Area

Areas We Serve Across Bristol

While our clinic is located in Hanham, we regularly treat patients from across Bristol and South Gloucestershire as part of our wider chiropractor Bristol service. Find your nearest location page below.

Chiropractor Clifton

Chiropractor Kingswood

Chiropractor Downend
Chiropractor Fishponds

Chiropractor Keynsham

Chiropractor Longwell Green
Chiropractor Emersons Green

Chiropractor Lyde Green

Send Us A Message

From Hanham High Street, turn onto Whittucks Road (at the Blue Bowl pub). Continue for around 300yds, passing Hanham GP Surgery (on your left). Roman Way and Rogers Court are the next two left hand turnings after Hanham Surgery and either of these provide free parking, subject to availability.

Hanham Hall is the large white Grade II listing building that you will see immediately as you approach Roman Way, that is just slightly set back from the main road.

Our Address is: The Hanham Clinic, Units 1A & 1B Hanham Hall, Whittucks Road, Hanham Bristol, BS15 3FR

The Hanham Clinic (in Bristol) is located within Hanham Hall, on Whittucks Road. Access to our clinic is from the far side of the building (on the opposite side to the Nursery), so you will need to walk around the outside of the building to gain access from the double doors overlooking the lawn.

You can call us on: 07946 426514 or email: info@hanhamclinic.co.uk