Superficial Dorsal Venous Rupture of the Penis: False Penile Fracture That Needs to Be Treated As a True Urologic Emergency

A 38-year-old man with history of repaired penile fracture presented with rapid detumescence, penile pain, and ecchymosis during vaginal sexual intercourse concerning for recurrent fracture. Surgical exploration revealed ruptured superficial dorsal vein of the penis, which was subsequently ligated. Patients with traumatic penile vascular injuries often present with clinical features indistinguishable from a true penile fracture. Gradual detumescence and an absence of characteristic popping sound may indicate a vascular injury but they cannot safely rule out a true penile fracture. Both true and false penile fractures require emergent surgical exploration and repair to prevent long-term complications.