Traumatic testicular dislocation

Abstract

Introduction

Traumatic testicular dislocation is a rare entity. It occurs after a direct blunt scrotal trauma causing the testicle to migrate outside the scrotum, most frequently to the superficial inguinal region.

Materials and methods

A review of the diagnostic database of our two institutions was performed searching for complex genital trauma between 1990 and 2012.

Results

Seven cases of traumatic testicular dislocation were identified (four on the left side; one on the right side and two bilateral) for a total of nine testicles. Six were motorcycle accidents, and the other case suffered a pelvic crush injury. All victims had significant associated injuries, one case had an open dislocation and two were killed by the accident. The testicle was located at the inguinal region in four cases at the suprapubic area in four, and the other was an open dislocation. Diagnosis was suspected with the physical examination and confirmed by Doppler ultrasound; however, in one case, the diagnosis was missed during several weeks. In one case, the testicle was reduced into the scrotum immediately at the emergency department. Two cases were operated shortly after admission, performing testicular reduction into the scrotum and standard orchidopexy. Two other cases underwent delayed intervention, and both needed release of peri-testicular adhesions. Two cases (both bilateral) died at the accident site and were diagnosed by autopsy. In all surviving cases, it was possible to obtain a satisfactory orchidopexy with gonadal preservation.

Conclusions

Traumatic testicular dislocation is rare and diagnosis can be elusive. It should be suspected in motorcycle and high-energy accidents around the groin area and depends on a careful physical examination. With proper management, prognosis is excellent.