FACTS & HINTS

High-Yield Facts

Clinical Points

Urethral rupture mayoccur spontaneously, or occur as a result of external (fractures of the pelvis, penetrating injury) or internal (following catheterization or instrumentation) trauma.

Site of urethral rupture determines where urine will extravasate

The superficial perineal fascia is continuous with the deep membranous layer of the superficial fascia of the anterior abdominal wall. If there is disruption of the spongyurethra, urine mayextravasate into the superficial perineal pouch and ascend up the anterior abdominal wall beneath the deep membranous layer. It will not extend into the anal triangle, because the superficial perineal fascia is tacked down to the perineal membrane along its posterior margin. It will not extend into the thigh because the superficial perineal fascia is tacked down to superomedial fascia lata of the thigh.

Penile trauma is rare. Rupture of the tunica albuginea and bleeding into the deep fascia can result in swelling of the penis.

Mnemonics

Memory Aids

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