Triple penile fracture: rare case with full functional recovery after surgical repair

A 36-year-old man from Tanzania experienced a penile injury described as a triple fracture during sexual activity with his partner. Medical teams documented this as an extremely rare urological emergency, and the case was reported in an international journal that highlights unusual examples in surgery. The patient arrived at the hospital with significant pain and swelling in the genital region, along with bleeding from the urethra, a symptom he reported lasting for several hours prior to seeking care. He recalled a loud clicking sensation when his penis collided with his partner’s groin, an event that set off the sequence leading to the injury. Diagnostic imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound, confirmed injuries to three distinct regions within the penile shaft. The severity of the injury demanded prompt surgical intervention to restore anatomy and function, a decision supported by surgical teams who have encountered similar, though far rarer, injury patterns in the past. This case adds to the medical literature by detailing the mechanisms, imaging findings, and operative considerations involved in managing a penile fracture extending to multiple segments. The documentation stresses the importance of rapid assessment and treatment to optimize outcomes and reduce the risk of long term complications. The report is a reminder that even injuries considered rare require careful, timely medical attention to preserve future sexual health and urinary function. The medical team conducted a thorough intraoperative evaluation to ensure alignment of the cavernosal tissues and to address any associated vascular injuries. Postoperative care focused on pain control, infection prevention, and gradual restoration of erectile function, with close follow up to monitor healing and functional recovery. The case ultimately demonstrates that with early and appropriate management, patients can achieve a favorable prognosis even after complex penile injuries. Clinical follow up six months after surgery confirmed full recovery of erectile function, with the patient reporting satisfaction in sexual performance and absence of persistent pain. This outcome aligns with contemporary understandings that prompt surgical repair of penile fractures offers the best chance for restoration of normal function when compared to conservative approaches. In males, the penis lacks a bony skeleton; rather, it contains cavernous bodies that extend along the shaft and fill with blood to produce an erection. A rupture of these structures, rather than a bone fracture, characterizes penile fractures and may lead to deformity, pain during intercourse, and ongoing erectile difficulties if not treated promptly. Medical professionals emphasize that while some patients experience persistent symptoms after such injuries, early surgical correction significantly improves the likelihood of a full functional recovery and minimizes lifelong adverse effects. Overall, this reported case reinforces the essential principle that rapid medical evaluation and definitive surgical repair are critical for preserving urinary and sexual health after penile trauma, even when the injury involves multiple components of the penile tissue.