Trauma induced testicular torsion is a well recognised entity, the incidence being 4-8% in most studies reporting on testicular torsion. The signs and symptoms of testicular torsion may easily be mistakenly attributed to preceding testicular trauma if there was such an event. A patient is described with trauma induced testicular torsion who presented on three occasions before a decision was made to perform scrotal exploration. Unfortunately, an orchidectomy was the outcome. The message that trauma can and not infrequently does precipitate torsion, needs to be reiterated. Awareness of the entity and constant vigilance is required of clinicians to avoid a delay in definitive treatment.
A retrospective review of 80 patients who underwent scrotal exploration for presumed testicular torsion is presented. Of these, 67 patients were found to have torsion, and the testicular loss rate was 51%. Patients who experienced delays in scrotal exploration of more than 24 h from onset of symptoms had a testicular loss rate of 71%. These delays arose from both hesitation in seeking medical treatment and misdiagnoses. It is emphasized that an acute scrotum in a child or in an adolescent should be explored early to exclude torsion.