Episode 143.0 – Testicular Torsion

Show Notes

Take Home Points

• Consider the diagnosis of testicular torsion in all patients with acute testicular pain
• Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency that requires immediate urologic consultation to increase the rate of tissue salvage.
• History, physical examination and ultrasound are all flawed in making the diagnosis. The gold standard is surgical exploration
• Consider manual detorsion in patients where consultation will be delayed

Show Notes

Core EM: Testicular Torsion

Ben-Israel T et al. Clinical predictors for testicular torsion as seen in the pediatric ED. Am J Emerg Med 2010; 28:786-789.

Sidler D et al. A 25-year review of the acute scrotum in children. S Afr Med J. 1997;87(12) 1696-8. PMID:

Mellick LB. Torsion of the testicle: It is time to stopping tossing the dice. Pediatric Emer Care 2012; 28: 80-6. PMID:

Ban KM, Easter JS: Selected Urologic Problems; in Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al (eds): Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice, ed 8. St. Louis, Mosby, Inc., 2014, (Ch) 99: p 1326-1356.