Colapinto and McCallum proposed a classification scheme for blunt trauma to the posterior male urethra in 1977. This was subsequently modified by Goldman et al to include bladder neck and anterior urethral lesions.
Occurrence:
(1) pelvic fracture
(2) blunt trauma from motor vehicle accidents
(3) occupational injuries
Original Classification of Colapinto and McCallum
Type
posterior urethra stretched but intact; rupture of puboprostatic ligaments and hematoma surrounds the urethra; on urethrography contrast material does not extravasate
I
partial or complete pure posterior injury with tear of the membranous urethra above an intact urogenital diaphragm; on urethrography contrast material extravasates into the pelvic extraperitoneal space
II
partial or complete combined anterior/posterior urethral injury with disruption of the urogenital diaphragm; on urethrography contrast material extravasates into the perineum
III
where:
• The rupture in Type II is between the apex of the prostate and the urogenital diaphragm.
Extension of the Classification by Goldman et al
Type
bladder neck injury with extension into the urethra
IV
injury to the base of the urinary bladder with periurethral extravasation simulating a Type IV urethral injury
IVA
partial or complete anterior urethral injury; urogenital diaphragm intact
V
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