A method of stapedectomy in the fenestrated ear

Two consequences of a previous fenestration militate against successful stapledectomy. They are the lessened depth of the middle ear over the stapes, and the missing incus. Twelve years' experience of using the stapedectomy for fenestrated ears in 62 patients has given generally disappointing results until, in 1962, technique of using cartilage blocks to increase the depth of the middle ear was devised.