A 55-year-old male presents with sudden sharp onset of lower back pain radiating to his right testicle. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 55-year-old male presents with sudden sharp onset of lower back pain radiating to his right testicle. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. Hernia
• B. Kidney stones
• C. Sciatica
• D. Testicular torsion

Answer: (B)

The most likely diagnosis for this scenario is kidney stones. In this case, the sharp onset of lower back pain radiating to the right testicle aligns well with the common presentation of renal colic typically caused by ureterolithiasis (kidney stones). As the stone moves through the urinary tract, it can lead to severe, intermittent pain that often begins in the lower back or flank and can radiate down to the groin area, including the testicles. The character of the pain, sudden onset, and radiation pattern to the testicle strongly suggest that the underlying issue is a stone obstructing the ureter, resulting in intense pain that may be misinterpreted as a problem originating in the reproductive system. The fact that the pain is not described as being localized primarily in the groin or testicle but is rather associated with the back provides further evidence of a renal cause. Other conditions like a hernia or testicular torsion could present with pain in the groin or lower abdomen, but they typically have different characteristics and may present with additional symptoms such as swelling or tenderness in the scrotal area. Sciatica is characterized by nerve pain that radiates down the leg due to irritation of the sciatic nerve, rather than

The most likely diagnosis for this scenario is kidney stones. In this case, the sharp onset of lower back pain radiating to the right testicle aligns well with the common presentation of renal colic typically caused by ureterolithiasis (kidney stones). As the stone moves through the urinary tract, it can lead to severe, intermittent pain that often begins in the lower back or flank and can radiate down to the groin area, including the testicles.

The character of the pain, sudden onset, and radiation pattern to the testicle strongly suggest that the underlying issue is a stone obstructing the ureter, resulting in intense pain that may be misinterpreted as a problem originating in the reproductive system. The fact that the pain is not described as being localized primarily in the groin or testicle but is rather associated with the back provides further evidence of a renal cause.

Other conditions like a hernia or testicular torsion could present with pain in the groin or lower abdomen, but they typically have different characteristics and may present with additional symptoms such as swelling or tenderness in the scrotal area. Sciatica is characterized by nerve pain that radiates down the leg due to irritation of the sciatic nerve, rather than