Canthorrhaphy is a surgical procedure to repair an eyelid. The spelling of canthorrhaphy comes from two root words: cantho-, meaning "angle of the eye," and -rrhaphy, meaning "stitching." The IPA phonetic transcription of canthorrhaphy is /kænˈθɔrəfi/. The "a" in "cantho-" is pronounced as "æ," similar to the "a" in "cat." The "h" in "cantho-" is silent. The "-rrhaphy" ending is pronounced as "rafi," with a long "a" sound followed by an "f" sound.
Canthorrhaphy is a medical term derived from the Greek words "kanthos," meaning "angle" or "corner," and "rhaphē," meaning "to sew." It refers to a surgical procedure undertaken to repair or reconstruct the outer corner of an individual's eye, particularly the canthus, which is the angle where the upper and lower eyelids meet.
During a canthorrhaphy, the surgeon carefully sutures or sews together the tissues surrounding the lateral canthus, also known as the outer canthus or the outer corner of the eye. This procedure is typically performed in cases where the individual has experienced trauma or injury resulting in the disruption or dislocation of the outer canthus. It may also be carried out to correct abnormalities in the shape or alignment of the eyelids caused by congenital conditions.
The purpose of canthorrhaphy is to restore and maintain the proper anatomical structure and function of the eyelids, ensuring visual acuity and the protection of the eye. It aims to recreate the natural contour of the eyelid, align the canthal angles symmetrically, and enhance the overall aesthetic appearance of the eye region. This surgical technique requires meticulous precision and expertise to achieve optimal results.
Canthorrhaphy is typically performed under local anesthesia and may be combined with other oculoplastic procedures depending on the specific needs of the patient. Adequate post-operative care and monitoring are essential to facilitate proper healing and minimize complications associated with the procedure.
Suture of the eyelids at either canthus; canthoplasty (2).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "canthorrhaphy" has its roots in Greek. It is derived from two Greek components: "kanthos" meaning "corner of the eye" and "rhaphis" meaning "suture". When combined, "canthorrhaphy" refers to the surgical procedure of suturing or repairing a fissure or laceration in the corner of the eye, specifically the outer corner formed by the meeting of the upper and lower eyelids.