Mechanics of the TORP/stapes interface

The gain in hearing as a result of ossicular prosthesis ( TORP ) placement on the stapes footplate was evaluated in 10 patients during actual middle ear reconstructive surgery. The patients with radical mastoidectomy cavities were operated on under local anaesthesia and intra-operative hearing was tested with the TORP shaft in three positions with regard to the stapes footplate; anterior, central and posterior. The anterior position of the shaft provided greater hearing improvement than the posterior position, with the central position falling approximately midway.