We need you! Join our contributor community and become a WikEM editor through our open and transparent promotion process.
Penile fracture
From WikEM
Contents
Background
- Tunica albuginea of one or both corpus cavernosa ruptures due to trauma to erect penis
- Can be associated with urethral rupture and deep dorsal vein injury
- Unlikely to occur in blunt pelvic trauma with a flaccid penis
- Associated with a urethral injury in up to 38% of penile fractures[1]
Clinical Features
- Penis is swollen, discolored, tender, and flaccid
- Cracking sound followed by pain, detumescence, swelling, discoloration, deformity
Differential Diagnosis
Penile Trauma
Evaluation
- Clinical diagnosis
- Retrograde urethrogram may be necessary to assure urethral integrity (especially important if pt unable to urinate)
- Urology may request corpus cavernosography, MRI, or ultrasound if the penile fracture is atypical[2]
Management
- Surgical exploration/repaire required for most injuries if there is obvious or suspected fracture
- Penile hematoma with no fracture can be treated as an outpatient with NSAIDs
- Penile laceration with no fracture can be closed with 4-0 or 5-0 absorbable sutures
Disposition
- Admit
