Testicular torsion: the role of radioisotopic scanning.

Radioisotopic scortal scanning was used as a triage maneuver to assess 18 boys with scrotal and/or testicular complaints. In 4 puberal boys the diagnosis was torsion and treatment consisted of orchiectomy because of testicular necrosis. This technique proved to be of value in studying infants and older children. It appears to be highly reliable and accurate. We believe that it should be used in making the diagnosis of non-operable conditions, such as epididymitis and idiopathic scrotal swelling, thereby avoiding an unnecessary operation.