Mountain bikers priapism: a rare phenomenon

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Urology
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Mountain biking is a popular sport with known risks of soft tissue and bony injuries.
• Priapism, a persistent unwanted penile erection, is a rare complication, typically resulting from perineal straddle injuries.
• Falls astride bicycle handlebars can cause significant perineal trauma.

Observation:

• A competitive mountain biker experienced high-flow priapism following a fall astride his bicycle handlebars.
• The patient presented late for medical attention.
• The injury mechanism involved direct trauma to the perineal region.

Findings:

• The case demonstrates a rare instance of high-flow priapism in the context of mountain biking.
• Selective arterial embolization was employed as a non-invasive treatment modality.
• Successful treatment was achieved despite the delayed presentation.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of potential urological complications in extreme sports.
• Non-invasive selective arterial embolization is a viable and effective treatment for high-flow priapism secondary to straddle injuries.
• Highlights the importance of recognizing and managing rare but serious injuries in athletes.