Risk factors for early penile curvature following surgical repair of penile fracture: a multicenter retrospective study from FRACT'AFUF.

INTRODUCTION

Penile fracture (PF) is a rare urological emergency, resulting in poorly characterized risk factors and outcomes. Delayed complications mainly include erectile dysfunction (ED) and penile curvature (PC). The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with penile curvature 1 month after surgical repair of PF.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective study was conducted under the coordination of the French Association of Urology Residents (AFUF). Electronic medical records of patients who underwent surgical treatment for PF at 21 French referral centers between 2000 and 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were analyzed to identify potential predictors of PC at 1-, 3-, and 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Since 2000, 519 patients have been included. The mean age at treatment was 41.5 years, and more than 80% underwent surgery within 24 hours of injury. The overall postoperative complication rate was low (50 patients; 9.7%), with predominantly minor complications. 20% to 30% of patients experienced persistent penile curvature following surgical repair of PF. No variable, including patient characteristics, fracture pattern, or surgical factors, was significantly associated with the development of PC at 1 month.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of PC 1 month after surgical management of PF appeared to be independent of patient- or injury-related factors, as well as surgical technique. Further studies involving larger cohorts and improved follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.