Traumatic Penile Injuries

Penile trauma burden and aetiology in the paediatric and adult population: A scoping review and critical analysis of the literature

“…The penis in its flaccid state is pendulous and has the potential to absorb a large amount of kinetic energy from external forces. [ 15 16 ] The erect penis, due to the associated thinning of the tunica albuginea from about 2.0 to 0.25 mm, is, however, more prone to trauma. [ 17 ] Despite the presence of high intracavernosal pressure of around 100 mmHg during erection, an abrupt increase in the pressure, up to a level of above 1500 mmHg, could overcome this tensile strength to cause sudden rupture or transverse laceration of the corpora cavernosum.…”

“…Comparing injuries in the two settings, there is a greater tendency for use of improvised explosive devices and high-velocity missiles on the battlefield. [ 15 ] Improvised explosive device has a propensity not just to cause injury to multiple regions of the body but to also result in greater severity of the injury. [ 20 ] There is therefore a greater potential for tissue damage in the military setting.…”

“…[ 20 ] There is therefore a greater potential for tissue damage in the military setting. [ 15 ] Etabbal et al [ 14 ] in their study in Libya, however, found out that 69.0% of the trauma to the penis that was sustained during the war was from various gunshots whereas explosions accounted for only 31.0% of the injuries. Al-Azzawi and Koraitim[ 20 ] in Iraq also provided supporting evidence that about two-thirds of the penile trauma in their civilian setting was from the use of improvised explosive devices.…”

“…[ 16 ] Around 9 in 10 (87%) of self-inflicted penile trauma is associated with a psychotic episode, with schizophrenia and depression being the commonly associated disorders. [ 15 ]…”

“…[ 17 ] It follows the entrapment of free-flowing clothes in the pulley belt of either a moving industrial machinery or a powered community grinding machine. [ 15 ] This results in the transfer of an extensive amount of kinetic energy leading to a wide spectrum of injuries including avulsion injuries and amputation of the penis. [ 15 ] Ofoha et al [ 11 ] stated that this cause of injury is rare, noting that only three of the ten cases of penile trauma in their study were sustained from injuries in a grinding machine.…”