Traumatic testicular torsion: A call to look beyond the obvious

Abstract

Blunt scrotal trauma results in different forms of injuries such as hematoma, rupture of the testis, and testicular torsion. The diagnosis of trauma-induced testicular torsion in patients with blunt scrotal trauma requires a high index of suspicion. As early diagnosis and management of traumatic testicular torsion obviate testicular losses, an urgent testicular scan is necessary in cases of suspected traumatic torsion, and if not readily available or indeterminate, scrotal exploration is promptly indicated. Reported herein is a case of traumatic testicular torsion which was managed as a straightforward blunt scrotal trauma in a private health facility. He eventually had an orchidectomy when he presented to us 4 months later on account of a marked reduction in testicular volume. This case report reiterates the need to look beyond the obvious in patients with blunt scrotal trauma and the necessity of testicular scan and scrotal exploration in testicular salvage in suspected trauma-induced testicular torsion.

Keywords

• blunt scrotal trauma
• orchidectomy
• testicular loss
• testicular torsion