What is the most serious potential outcome associated with untreated testicular torsion?

Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord becomes twisted, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. If left untreated, the most serious potential outcome is testicular rupture, which can occur due to extended ischemia and necrosis of the testicular tissue. The testicle can become severely damaged within just a few hours of torsion, and if blood flow is not restored, the affected tissue can die, leading to a rupture.

Once a rupture occurs, it can result in significant complications, including severe pain, infection, and potentially the need for surgical removal of the testicle (orchiectomy). The urgency of this condition emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent irreversible damage and preserve the testicle's function.

The other options, while possible consequences in different contexts, are not directly related to the acute, serious threat posed by untreated testicular torsion. Testicular cancer is unrelated and typically develops over a longer period and isn't a result of torsion itself. Loss of libido and inguinal hernia are not immediate complications of torsion. Therefore, testicular rupture accurately represents the most critical and immediate risk associated with this condition.