Incidence of the bell-clapper deformity in an autopsy series.
OBJECTIVE
Testicular torsion is seen in all age groups. The bell-clapper deformity (BCD) when present predisposes the patient to torsion. This study was undertaken to determine the incidence of the BCD.


METHODS
An autopsy series of 51 males with 101 testes was dissected by the senior author to determine the incidence of the BCD.


RESULTS
The manner of testicular investment by the tunica vaginalis was classified as normal, intermediate, or absent (BCD). Seventy-six testes were normal, 13 were intermediate, and 12 were of the bell-clapper type.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of the BCD in this autopsy series was 12%. Because the incidence of testicular torsion in the general population is far less than 12%, other factors in addition to anatomic predisposition must be involved.
Caesar
R E
RE
Division of Urology, University of California, San Diego.
Kaplan
G W
GW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002102:Cadaver; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013086:Spermatic Cord Torsion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D013737:Testis / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology