Penile fracture

Contrary to popular belief, there is not actually a broken bone involved in penile fractures. The injury involves tearing the tunica albuginea. The most common etiology is sexual intercourse when a snapping sound is heard followed by edema and ecchymosis. Immediate treatment involves pain control and ice. Urology should be consulted in the emergency department as most of these injuries are treated surgically. The urethra is not commonly injured, but must be considered in the acute setting. If the patient has difficulty urinating, then a retrograde urethrogram should be performed. Other complications include: permanent deformity and impaired erections.

References:

Marx, JA., et al. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice, 6th edition. Mosby. 2006.