Alternative Name for Chordee
Chordee is also known as "penile curvature" or "ventral penile curvature." 1, 2, 3
Terminology and Clinical Context
The term "chordee" specifically refers to the abnormal ventral (downward) curvature of the penis that occurs as a congenital anomaly. 1, 4 This curvature is most commonly associated with hypospadias, where it represents one component of the classic triad: ectopic urethral meatus, ventral penile curvature (chordee), and abnormal foreskin distribution. 1, 4
Key Terminology Points:
"Ventral penile curvature" is the most precise descriptive term used interchangeably with chordee in the medical literature. 3, 5
The term "penile curvature" alone may be used, though this is less specific as it doesn't indicate the direction of curvature. 2, 3
When occurring without hypospadias, it is sometimes referred to as "chordee without hypospadias" or "isolated chordee." 5
Important Clinical Distinction
Chordee (congenital ventral penile curvature) should not be confused with Peyronie's disease, which is an acquired condition characterized by fibrosis of the tunica albuginea causing penile curvature in adult men. 6 While both conditions involve penile curvature, they have completely different etiologies, age presentations, and treatment approaches. 7, 6