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Biomechanical aspects of Peyronie's disease in development stages and following reconstructive surgeries

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 14, pages 389–396 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

Peyronie's disease is a disorder of the penile connective tissues that leads to development of dense fibrous or ossified plaques in the tunica albuginea, causing penile deformity and painful erection. A biomechanical model of the penis was utilized for analyzing the mechanical stresses that develop within its soft tissues during erection in the presence of Peyronie's plaques. The model's simulations demonstrated stress concentrations around nerve roots and blood vessels due to the plaques. These stresses may irritate nerve endings or compress the vascular bed, and thus cause penile deformity and/or painful erection. The model was further used to elaborate the effects of different biological or artificial materials for reconstruction of the penis following plaque removal. Clinical applications of the present model can range from analysis of the etiology of the disease to assisting in the determination of optimal timing for therapeutic interventions and in the selection of patch material for penile reconstructions.

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Acknowledgements

Ms. Esther Eshkol is thanked for editorial assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

    A Gefen & D Elad

  2. Department of Urology, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel

    J Chen

Authors
  1. A Gefen
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  2. D Elad
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  3. J Chen
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Correspondence to A Gefen.

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Gefen, A., Elad, D. & Chen, J. Biomechanical aspects of Peyronie's disease in development stages and following reconstructive surgeries. Int J Impot Res 14, 389–396 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3900866

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3900866

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