RESUMEN
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the early diagnosis of testicular torsion in children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 24 patients with testicular torsion were analyzed retrospectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patients ranged in age from 4 months to 15 years ( mean 10.3 years), 17 left and 7 right testes involved. The duration between the onset and operation varied from 1 hour to 4 months. Diagnoses were initially and correctly made in 16 cases and delayed in 8. Surgical explorations were carried out in 23 cases, and resection of the testis performed in 17.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Testicular necrosis is associated not only with the duration and degree, but also with the extent of the torsion. Color Doppler has clinical value in the early diagnosis of child testicular torsion. Timely surgical exploration should be performed for cases of acute scrotal problem suspected of child testicular torsion.</p>