Diagnosis with a Twist: Pediatric Testicular Torsion

Diagnosis with a Twist: A Pediatric Emergency

Children, young and old, often tell their parents when something hurts … a headache, a fall or a scratch that needs a cool Band-Aid to make it better. But what do you do when your son says his groin hurts?

Twisting of the testicle, also called Testicular Torsion, happens when the cord that supplies blood to the testicle twists. The blood flow is cut off to the testis, causing severe pain in the scrotum and testis. It is urgent and always a medical emergency!

This can happen to children (and adults) of all ages but is most common in teenage boys.

When there is suspected twisting of the testis, an urgent ultrasound is needed to confirm the diagnosis, followed by emergency surgery to restore the blood flow to the testis. If the diagnosis or treatment is delayed, there can be loss of the testicle.

What symptoms may your son have?

Most commonly, this condition presents with pain or swelling of the scrotum, nausea, vomiting and belly pain. In very young children, like infants, it may present as extreme fussiness. So, what should you do if your son reports sudden pain in their groin or private area? Seek urgent medical care. The earlier you seek care, the better the outcome.

It is helpful to talk with your child when they are healthy. Let them know that if they ever experience testicular pain, they should tell a trusted adult right away. The pain is nothing to be embarrassed about and could indicate something urgent.

Click HERE to watch a short video with more info from Dr. Destiny Wilson.