A Review of Imaging Modalities Used in the Diagnosis and Management of Scrotal Trauma

Genitourinary tract injuries account for 3 to 10% of trauma patients, and scrotal trauma is particularly prevalent in males 10 to 30 years of age. Prompt diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are essential to prevent future complications of infertility, delayed orchiectomy, infection, and testicular atrophy. While clinical examination provides valuable information, it may be inconclusive due to soft tissue swelling and difficult to perform due to testicular pain with palpation. Conversely, testicular rupture does not always present with pain or tenderness. Imaging can contribute additional support for surgical evaluation in scrotal trauma. Current AUA guidelines support ultrasound in blunt scrotal trauma to confirm testicular rupture while recommending early exploration in penetrating injuries due to the high incidence of testicular rupture. This review discusses the existing literature on the use of various imaging modalities in assessment of blunt and penetrating scrotal trauma and common imaging findings.