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telecanthus
Pronunciation: tel-eh-KAN-thus
Abnormal widening of the distance between the inner corners of the eyes, often associated with nasoethmoidal fractures.
Full Definition
Telecanthus is the abnormal lateral displacement of the medial canthi, resulting in an increased intercanthal distance while maintaining normal interpupillary distance. This condition commonly occurs following nasoethmoidal orbital fractures when the medial canthal tendon attachments are disrupted or when bone fragments are displaced. Unlike hypertelorism, which involves increased orbital separation, telecanthus specifically affects soft tissue positioning. Surgical correction typically requires canthopexy procedures to restore normal medial canthal positioning and intercanthal distance.
In Context
- "The patient developed telecanthus following inadequate reduction of the NOE fracture." — Complication assessment
- "Telecanthus correction required bilateral transnasal canthopexy to restore normal facial proportions." — Reconstructive surgery plan
Also known as
dystopia canthorum
Contrasted with
normal intercanthal distance
Don't confuse with
hypertelorism
epicanthal folds