The Diagnosis and Management of Acute Scrotal Conditions in Boys

Summary— In a consecutive series of 69 boys with an acute scrotal condition, 55% were suffering from torsion of a testicular appendage, 22% from torsion of the testis and the remainder from idiopathic scrotal oedema or epididymitis. The general clinical features and specific scrotal findings in each of these conditions are compared and contrasted. It is concluded that on clinical grounds alone, torsion of the testis can be excluded in many boys presenting with an acute scrotal condition. The implications for management are discussed.