Post-Operative Priapism: Often Overlooked after Spinal Anaesthesia in Orthopaedic Surgery

Abstract

Priapism is defined as an abnormal persistent erection of the penis or clitoris. It is unrelated to sexual stimulation and unrelieved by ejaculation. Overall incidence of priapism is 1.5 to 2.9 per 100000 person-year. Defining the etiology of a case of postoperative priapism following orthopedic surgery can be difficult, and many times cannot be determined. We present a rare case report of priapism following an elective open reduction and internal fixation with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis for right lower leg bone fracture performed under spinal anaesthesia in a 21-year-old man and reviewed some literatures and potential etiologies of this rare complication. We also highlighted the problems in delayed recognition of the complication and a good functional outcome despite delayed management.