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Supersonic Transporter (SST) Deformity

Erectile Dysfunction Treatments
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Also Known As

Glanular Hypermobility (GH), Floppy Glans Syndrome, Glans Bowing, Concorde Deformity, SST Deformity

Definition

Supersonic Transporter (SST) Deformity is a penile anatomical condition characterized by ventral or lateral deflection of the glans penis, resembling the upturned nose of the Concorde supersonic aircraft.1 This deformity occurs when the glans penis fails to acquire its normal anatomic position atop the erect shaft, creating an abnormal angle between the glans and the penile shaft that typically exceeds 20-30 degrees.2 The condition is most commonly observed following penile prosthesis implantation, though it may also occur due to intrinsic glanular hypermobility or variants in distal corporal anatomy.3 The deformity results in a loss of the normal cushioning effect of the glans during erection, potentially causing discomfort or difficulties during sexual intercourse.2

Clinical Context

Supersonic Transporter (SST) Deformity is primarily encountered in the clinical setting following penile prosthesis implantation, where it represents a significant postoperative complication.1 The condition may develop from several etiological factors, including:

  • Undersized penile prosthesis cylinders2
  • Variants in distal corporal anatomy3
  • Corporal fibrosis and/or contraction related to conditions such as diabetes mellitus, prior penile surgery, priapism, or androgen deprivation therapy3
  • Intrinsic glanular hypermobility despite adequate prosthesis sizing3

Patient selection for treatment typically involves men who report disabling symptoms, including pain during intercourse, difficulty with penetration, or cosmetic concerns that affect psychological well-being.1 The magnitude of deformity is typically measured as the angle between the glans and the corporal longitudinal axis, with angles exceeding 40° often requiring surgical intervention.1

Surgical management through glanulopexy (glans fixation) has demonstrated high success rates, with studies reporting restoration of sexual function in 90-100% of treated patients.1 The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, with minimal recovery time.1 Modified techniques have been developed to reduce the risk of nerve injury and improve outcomes, including approaches that avoid extensive dissection of Buck’s fascia.3

Expected outcomes following successful treatment include correction of the anatomic deformity, improved cosmetic appearance, and restoration of comfortable sexual function.1,3 Complication rates are low, with minimal reports of changes in penile sensation or prosthesis infection.3

Scientific Citation

[1] Mulhall JP, Kim FJ. Reconstructing penile supersonic transporter (SST) deformity using glanulopexy (glans fixation). Urology. 2001 Jun;57(6):1160-2. DOI: 10.1016/s0090-4295(01)00961-x

[2] Ziegelmann MJ, Alom M, Bole R, Kohler T, Trost L. Modified Glanulopexy Technique for Supersonic Transporter Deformity and Glanular Hypermobility in Men With Penile Prostheses. J Sex Med. 2018 Jun;15(6):914-919. DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.04.633

[3] Bickell M, Manimala N, Parker J, Steixner B, Wiegand L, Carrion R. Floppy Glans Syndrome: Pathogenesis and Treatment. Sex Med Rev. 2016 Apr;4(2):149-156. DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2015.12.001

[4] Salgado CJ, Chim H, Rowe D, Bodner DR. Supersonic Transporter Deformity in Transgender Men After Phalloplasty. J Sex Med. 2019 Jul;16(7):1109-1113. DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.04.019

[5] Sadeghi-Nejad H. Penile prosthesis surgery: a review of prosthetic devices and associated complications. J Sex Med. 2013 Mar;10(3):675-81. DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12051

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