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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

The Microscopic Transcanal Approach in Stapes Surgery Revisited

The Microscopic Transcanal Approach in Stapes Surgery Revisited

Published on: February 16, 2022

Crural attachment to promontory case report: implications for stapes development.

Kenneth R Whittemore¹, Jenna M Dargie, Briana K Dornan

¹Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. Kenneth.whittemore@childrens.harvard.edu

American Journal of Otolaryngology

|February 5, 2013

Summary

The embryologic origin of the stapes is debated. A case study found an abnormally attached stapes in a boy with hearing loss, suggesting distinct developmental origins for its parts.

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Area of Science:

Otolaryngology
Embryology
Anatomy

Background:

The embryologic origin of the stapes, a crucial auditory ossicle, is not fully understood.
Current theories debate whether the stapes develops from a single embryonic source or if its components (footplate and suprastructure) originate separately.

Observation:

A 12-year-old male presented with left-sided conductive hearing loss.
Computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bone revealed an inferiorly displaced left stapes and a nonspecific density in Prussak's space.
Exploratory tympanotomy was performed to investigate the hearing loss.

Findings:

Intraoperatively, the crura of the stapes were found to be attached to the promontory.
The stapes footplate was correctly positioned in the oval window and demonstrated mobility.
This anatomical configuration suggests a potential developmental anomaly.

Implications:

This case provides evidence supporting the theory of distinct embryologic origins for different parts of the stapes.
Understanding such variations is critical for diagnosing and managing congenital hearing loss.
Further research into stapes development may refine surgical approaches and improve audiological outcomes.