Symptoms of Corporal Damage
Jun 11, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Luo Yong
Introduction
The prominent manifestations of penile injury include localized pain, swelling, ecchymosis, bleeding, laceration, transection, penetration, dislocation, avulsion, necrosis, and partial defects. Typically, patients experience severe localized penile pain followed by flaccidity of the penis and subsequent swelling and ecchymosis. If the corpora cavernosa are ruptured, penile deformity—such as curvature—may occur; the penis may deviate toward the contralateral side, exhibit an “S-shaped” swelling, or bend downward.
Corpora cavernosa—the hardest smooth muscle and connective tissue in the human body. They are erectile tissues enveloped externally by a dense, fibrous tunica albuginea and internally composed of a sponge-like framework of connective tissue and smooth muscle; their lacunar spaces communicate directly with blood vessels.
The hallmark manifestations of penile injury include localized pain, along with swelling, ecchymosis, hemorrhage, laceration, transection, penetration, dislocation, degloving, necrosis, and partial tissue loss.
Typically, patients experience severe localized penile pain followed by immediate detumescence (loss of erection), rapidly progressing to swelling and ecchymosis. If the corpora cavernosa rupture, the penis may develop a characteristic deformity—bending toward the contralateral side, assuming an “S-shaped” contour, or drooping downward. Rupture of the penile fascia allows hematoma to extend into the scrotum and perineum. Concurrent urethral injury may result in hematuria or bleeding from the external urethral meatus.
With prompt and appropriate management, prognosis after penile fracture is generally favorable. However, potential late complications may include erectile dysfunction, penile curvature deformity, painful erections, dyspareunia, pseudo-diverticulum formation, penile arterial aneurysm, high-flow priapism, lymphedema, and urethral stricture.
