Penile zipper injury

Published on 23/06/2015 by admin

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Last modified 23/06/2015

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23.17 Penile zipper injury

Background

The most common cause of penile entrapment is an unintentional zipper injury. Most commonly seen in boys aged 2–6 years, this injury occurs while the child is zipping up his pants. In addition to being painful, this condition is a tremendously anxiety-inducing injury for the child.

The patient usually presents for medical attention only after failed attempts at self-extrication. There are two patterns of entrapment for the often-macerated and oedematous soft tissue. First, the movable zipper head may ‘catch onto’ the external genitalia tissue. Second, the interlocking teeth along the zipper path may entrap some soft tissue. In order to disassemble a zipper, one must understand its anatomy. Specifically, a thin median bar is the only structure separating the two tracks on the zipper-sliding device, interlocking them.

Indications

Soft-tissue entrapment in a zipper.

Contraindications

Equipment

Bone or wire cutters.

Local anaesthesia (1% lidocaine without adrenaline (epinephrine), syringe, 30-gauge needle).

Preparation and positioning

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