Traumatic telecanthus may occur following facial trauma with naso-orbito-ethmoidal ("noe") fractures. There is often damage to one or both medial canthal tendons. Management can be difficult and requires expertise.
The most common causes are vehicular accidents and physical assault.
Clinical features:
(1) increase in the distance between the inner canthi of the eyes
(2) history of significant facial trauma
(3) exclusion of other causes of telecanthus
Imaging studies show fracture of bones comprising the naso-orbito-ethmoidal complex, resulting in midfacial instability.
The telecanthus resolves with adequate management of the fractures and facial injuries.
A delay in proper management or problematic repair can result in scarring and secondary deformities.
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