Testicular torsion in the armed services: twelve year review of 179 cases.

All cases of testicular torsion occurring in the Armed Services between 1972 and 1983 have been reviewed. All cases were post-pubertal. The incidence in older age groups is higher than previously reported. No cases were seen in undescended testes. No seasonal variation in presentation was detected. Recurrent scrotal pain before acute presentation occurred in 29 per cent of cases. The testicular salvage rate was 75 per cent. The salvage rate in patients with pain for greater than 24 h was 46 per cent. Patients with a history of intermittent scrotal pain should be explored as a matter of urgency. Operation should still be considered in patients who have had pain for greater than 24 h.