Wedding ring in the wrong place: an unusual presentation of penile incarceration in a child with a wedding ring

BMJ Case Rep. 2009:2009:bcr01.2009.1536. doi: 10.1136/bcr.01.2009.1536. Epub 2009 Jul 26.

Abstract

An unusual case of penile incarceration in a 13-year-old boy is presented, with lessons to be learned for Accident and Emergency Department junior doctors in particular and for all in general. The presentation was misleading and the condition would have gone undiagnosed with fatal consequences without a team effort. The object used was a wedding ring in this case. Penile incarceration is not common in routine practice. The need for development of necessary paediatric history taking and examination techniques among Emergency Department doctors and staff is highlighted. Recalling the basics, this case report emphasises the importance of thorough physical examination. With early diagnosis and treatment, lifelong disabilities can be prevented.