How to detect testicular torsion from the outside

Testicular torsion cannot be accurately judged simply by appearance, but symptoms such as redness and swelling of the affected scrotum, elevated position, and transverse testicular position may be observed. Testicular torsion needs to be diagnosed through imaging such as ultrasound. If symptoms such as sudden severe pain in the scrotum or swelling of the testicles occur, seek medical attention immediately.

The early stage of testicular torsion may be characterized by redness and slight swelling of the scrotal skin on one side. In some patients, it may be observed that the testicle on the affected side is higher than the unaffected side. As the disease progresses, the degree of redness and swelling of the scrotum intensifies, the testicles may appear abnormally transverse or oblique when touched, and the cremasteric reflex disappears. In some patients, the blood supply to the testicles is blocked due to torsion of the spermatic cord, leading to signs of blurred boundaries between the testicles and the epididymis. These physical symptoms are often accompanied by sudden, severe pain in the scrotum, which may radiate to the groin or lower abdomen.

It should be noted that teenagers should be highly vigilant if they experience sudden scrotal pain after strenuous exercise. Infants and young children may only show non-specific symptoms such as crying, restlessness, and refusal to eat. A few atypical cases only present with dull pain initially, but the pain will gradually worsen within a few hours. When torsion occurs in patients with cryptorchidism, local swelling and tenderness in the groin area may be seen, and the diagnosis is more likely to be missed at this time.

Trauma to the testicle area should be avoided in daily life and protective equipment should be worn during exercise. If teenagers have unexplained scrotal pain, parents must immediately take them to the emergency department or urology department for treatment. The golden period for treatment is within 6 hours of onset. After diagnosis, emergency surgical reduction and fixation are usually required. Delayed treatment may lead to ischemic necrosis of the testis.