Scrotal entrapment by external magnets: a case report

Magnetic foreign bodies in children are most commonly associated with ingestion, which can lead to serious gastrointestinal complications due to attraction across bowel walls. External soft-tissue entrapment caused by magnets is rare, particularly involving the genitalia. An 11-year-old boy presented two days after accidental external entrapment of the right hemiscrotum between two circular magnets. Disclosure was delayed due to embarrassment. Examination showed two magnets compressing the scrotal skin without signs of infection or testicular involvement. The magnets were removed under local anesthesia. Post-removal assessment revealed a 0.5 × 0.5 cm area of superficial skin necrosis. The necrotic area was managed conservatively with local wound care, including cleaning, topical antibiotic ointment, and observation. Doppler ultrasonography confirmed preserved testicular perfusion. The lesion healed progressively without complications. Although rare, magnets can cause scrotal entrapment potentially leading to skin necrosis.