ABSTRACT
Thirty-eight patients with urethral injury treated during the period from January 1962 to August 1964 have been studied in particular reference to sexual ability following injury and the results are summarized as follows: 1. The incidence of urethral injury was 6.8% of the total inpatients and the average in age was 23.8 years. Twenty-three cases (61.5%) were accompanied by pelvic fracture. 2. The incidence of impotence following injury was 47%, 36.4% temporary and 11.0% permanent. 3. Of 14 cases of temporary impotence, urethral injury was accompanied by pelvic fracture in 11 and all 4 cases of permanent impotence followed urethral injury accompanied by pelvic fracture. 4. Of fourteen cases of temporary impotence, previous urethral injury was complete in 6 and incomplete. in 8. Four cases of permanent impotence followed 3 complete urethral injury and one incomplete urethral rupture. 5. The average interval between the reception of trauma and the recognition of impotence was 3 to 5 months.