The erect penis--injury prone organ

Abstract

Erection converts the safe, flaccid penis into a vulnerable organ. During erection, the usually thick tunica albuginea becomes very thin and easily fracturable. Penile fracture is an under-reported urologic injury, with only approximately 100 cases reported in the world literature. We report on three cases, one with rupture of one corpus spongiosum and two with rupture of both corpora cavernosa associated with almost complete transection of the urethra. All three cases were treated surgically, with good outcome and no postoperative complications. The authors postulate that some cases of deviation of the penis are actually the result of some minor degree of penile fracture.