Occult penile fracture: An atypical presentation

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Penile fracture is a rupture of the tunica albuginea, often underreported due to social stigma.
• It is a urological emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and management.

Observation:

• This case report details an atypical penile fracture presentation.
• The patient exhibited normal physical examination findings despite a characteristic history.
• Ultrasonography confirmed the injury, necessitating surgical exploration.

Findings:

• A penile fracture was diagnosed based on clinical history and ultrasound findings.
• Surgical exploration and timely repair were performed.
• The case highlights that physical findings may be absent in some penile fractures.

Implications:

• Clinicians should maintain a high suspicion for penile fracture in patients with suggestive histories, even with a normal-appearing penis.
• Early diagnosis and intervention are vital to prevent long-term complications.
• This case underscores the importance of diagnostic tools like ultrasound in atypical presentations.