View source for Chordee

{{Infobox_Disease |
  Name           = {{PAGENAME}} |
  Image          = PENIS.jpg |
  Caption        = A human penis with chordee in both flaccid and fully erect states. |
  DiseasesDB     = |
  ICD10          = {{ICD10|N|48|8|n|40}} ([[ILDS]] N48.83), {{ICD10|Q|54|4|q|50}} |
  ICD9           = {{ICD9|752.63}} |
  ICDO           = |
  OMIM           = |
  MedlinePlus    = |
  eMedicineSubj  = |
  eMedicineTopic = |
  MeshID         = |
}}
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==Overview==

'''Chordee''' is a condition in which the [[penis]] curves downward (that is, in a [[ventral]] direction). The curvature is usually most obvious during [[erection]], but resistance to straightening is often apparent in the flaccid state as well. In many cases but not all, chordee is associated with [[hypospadias]]. 

==Presentation==
It is usually considered a [[congenital malformation]] of unknown cause. Since at an early stage of fetal development the penis is curved downward, it has been proposed that chordee results from an arrest of penile development at that stage.

The curvature of a chordee can involve
#tethering of the skin with [[urethra]] and [[corpora]] of normal size;
#curvature induced by [[fibrosis]] and contracture of the [[fascia]]l tissue ([[Buck's fascia]] or [[dartos]]) surrounding the urethra;
#disproportionately large corpora in relation to the urethral length without other demonstrable abnormality of either; or
#a short, fibrotic urethra that tethers the penis downward (the least common type).

Severe degrees of chordee are usually associated with [[hypospadias]], but mild degrees of curvature may occur in many otherwise normal males. When the curved penis is small and accompanied by hypospadias, deficiency of prenatal androgen effect can be inferred.

==Treatment==
The principal treatment of chordee is surgery in infancy, usually by a [[pediatric urologist]].  

The preferred time for surgery is between the ages of 6 and 18 months, before the child develops castration and body image anxiety. 

Correction is usually successful.

==External links==
* {{FPnotebook|URO80}}

{{Congenital malformations of genital organs and urinary system}}
{{SIB}}

[[Category:Urology]]
[[Category:congenital disorders]]
[[Category:penis]]

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