Course of pubic tubercle--centre of testicle distance in children with and without testicular maldescent.

The aim of this study was to establish whether a more precise classification of the different types of testicular maldescent could be made by using the measurement of pubic tubercle-centre of testicle distance. The pubic tubercle-centre of testicle distance was determined in 77 healthy children. The results were obtained in children aged 1 month to 15 years. The results were compared to the distances obtained in 47 children with testicular maldescent. The distance between pubic tubercle and centre of testicle represents an objective parameter in the examination of testicular maldescent. It is used to determine the testicular position precisely, and by comparing it to our graphs of normal values, it is possible to find pathological results. Our graphs of normal values for pubic tubercle-centre of testicle distance for different age groups, weight groups and body length groups in children can also be used to record the effect of hormonal or surgical therapy. Surprisingly there exists no obvious growth of the pubic tubercle-centre of testicle distance within the first seven years of life. By comparing the measurement of the pubic tubercle-centre of testicle distance of a child with testicular maldescent to our graphs of normal values, it is easy to find an objective parameter for the initiation of therapy, or for the decision to wait and see. By comparing a series of measurements of one case to our graphs of normal values, it is possible to set ideal intervals for consultations.