Question

A 12-year-old boy presents to the ER complaining of right testicular pain. Symptoms began 1 hour ago. He describes the pain as a 10/10 stabbing sensation radiating from the right testicle to the right groin. He also complains of 3 episodes of emesis and intermittent nausea. A bedside testicular ultrasound is performed which shows decreased blood flow to the right testicle. What is the most sensitive physical exam finding associated with this pathology?

Answer 1

Answer: The pathology described in the question is "testicular torsion".

The most sensitive physical exam that is specific to this pathology is testing for reflexes. The inner thigh of the affected side when rubbed should cause the testicle to contract; but in this pathology, it does not.

Explanation:

Testicular torsion is a condition caused by the twisting of the spermatic cord, which causes a loss of blood flow to the testicle. It is the leading cause of testicular loss in adolescent boys, if no surgical intervenvention is carried out as soon as possible.