Penile Rupture
- Penile rupture or fracture is a rare injury.
- It involves a tear in the lining (tunica albuginea) of the corpora cavernosa.
- It characteristically occurs with trauma to the penis during an erection.
- The patient typically hears a cracking or popping sound with immediate pain and deturnescence (loss of the erection).
- On physical exam swelling and bruising is quite obvious on the penis.
- The diagnosis can be made simply by the history and examination.
- If there is any question radiocontrast dye can be injected directly into the corpora cavernosum - extravasation outside the corpora confirms the Dx.
- Corrective surgery should be done at the time of rupture.
- There is an associated urethral injury in 20% of cases. If the patient is unable to void, if blood is seen at the meatus or if there is hematuria, urethral injury must be ruled out by an injection of radiocontrast dye into the urethra (retrograde urethrogram)
