ABSTRACT
Injury to the genital area usually happens as a result of straddle injuries in girls and zip injuries in boys. Blunt injury causes bruising, abrasions and/or lacerations, which are usually anterior and asymmetrical. The foreskin or shaft of the penis may get caught in a zipper, causing an abrasion or superficial laceration. Most penile injuries in childhood are due to a fall onto a hard surface or an object falling onto the penis. These result in contusions and superficial lacerations. The base of the penis can become strangulated either by accident or deliberately, by the child putting something around the penis. Torsion of the testis, a ruptured corpus callosum, a hydrocoele or rupture of the testis can all occur. Minor injury to the anus due to an accident in childhood is very uncommon. All patients with anal and peri-anal injuries should therefore be referred for senior advice.
