Although the penis does not contain bone (or cartilage), it can be fractured when subjected to trauma, for example, during sexual activity. The fracture/tear occurs in the tunica albuginea, a thin envelope surrounding the corpora carvenosa. During penile erection, blood engorges the corpora cavernosa which are cylindrical pairs of erectile tissue. A tear of the tunica albuginea may be accompanied by a cracking/popping/snapping sound, pain, immediate loss of the erection, penile swelling and reddening – the fractured penis resembles an eggplant in appearance – eggplant deformity. Though penile fracture is rare, it is a medical emergency requiring surgery.
References:
Tiwary SK, Singh MK, Khanna R, Khanna AK: Penile fracture presenting as eggplant deformity. Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ), 2006 4(2):249-50. Go to reference
Ozcan S, Akpinar E. Diagnosis of penile fracture in primary care: a case report. Cases J, 2009 30;2:8065. Go to reference
Penile fracture, human penis
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