Nonsexual penile fracture in a 34-year-old man managed at a multispecialty, private hospital in Bujumbura, Burundi

Abstract

Penile fracture is a rare urologic emergency characterized by the rupture of the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa. Diagnosis can typically be based solely on clinical presentation. A cracking sound in the erect penis followed by rapid detumescence, pain, and swelling are the typical symptoms. While penile fracture is frequently caused by sexual intercourse, nonsexual causes also exist. Due to the low-energy trauma involved, urethral injury is uncommon. We report the case of a 34-year-old married man who sustained an unintentional, nonmasturbatory, non–intercourse-related penile fracture. The patient was rolling over in bed during sleep while experiencing nocturnal penile tumescence. Prompt surgical intervention involving closure of the tunica albuginea is the treatment of choice, yielding satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes