Point-of-care ultrasound for suspected testicular torsion: are we nuts?

Traditionally, ultrasound scans are performed in the radiology department. However, ultrasound’s many advantages – such as portability, lack of radiation, repeatability and speed of interpretation – have made it attractive to multiple healthcare settings and specialities. In a modified, focused and less detailed way, ultrasound can be utilised as a rapid bedside diagnostic test, so-called point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). This is usually performed by a non-radiologist clinician as an extension to standard clinical assessment. For this purpose, specifically designed, compact cart-based machines and hand-held POCUS devices have been developed, some with semiconductors rather than piezoelectric crystal probes, increasingly integrating AI to assist with image acquisition, optimisation and diagnostic interpretation. In urology, POCUS has a range of potential diagnostic and procedural clinical applications. In this article, the focus will be on how POCUS could be utilised in a safe, effective and efficient manner for patients presenting with suspected testicular torsion (TT) to the emergency department, acute surgical assessment unit or similar settings

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