[Penile fracture]

Abstract

The aim of the present review is to summarize the world experience and to analyze the main principles of the current diagnosis and treatment of penile fracture. The fracture of the penis is a rare blunt penile trauma, with an annual frequency of 0.33 to 1.36 per 100,000 inhabitants. Till now, there is less then 2000 cases described in the literature. The etiology varies, but the trauma mainly occurs during coitus. The fracture of the penis is an emergency entity with pathognomonic clinical symptoms. The data from the history and from the physical examination are essential for the correct diagnosis. In obscure and atypical cases some additional methods are used: cavernosography, urethrography, ultrasound, MRI. The immediate surgical treatment gives the only chance for a complete recovery of the patient and guarantees the achievement of good functional results.