['Intermittent torsion of the spermatic cord is an episode of acute torsion of the spermatic cord that resolves spontaneously. We compared the outcomes in boys with intermittent spermatic cord torsion treated electively with testicular fixation with those in boys with a history of recurrent scrotal pain who required emergent operation for acute spermatic cord torsion without spontaneous resolution.', 'A retrospective review revealed 17 boys who required emergency operation for acute spermatic cord torsion and 30 who underwent elective surgery for intermittent spermatic cord torsion. The clinical presentation, number of recurrent painful episodes, lead time to operation, prior alternate diagnoses, intraoperative findings and clinical outcomes were recorded.', 'There was a mean of 2 recurrent painful episodes in the elective group and 3 in the emergency group (p <0.005). In the elective group all boys were cured of pain after bilateral testicular fixation with 100% testicular preservation at a mean of 4 months of followup. In the emergency group at a mean of 10 months of followup the testicular preservation rate was 47% (p <0.01). Intraoperatively an ipsilateral bell clapper malformation was found in 100% of boys in each group. A contralateral bell clapper malformation was noted in 90% and 88% of boys in the elective and emergency groups, respectively.'] Does intermittent torsion of the spermatic cord portend an increased risk of acute testicular infarction?