Traumatic luxation of the stapes

A case of traumatic middle and inner ear damage due to involuntary piercing of the tympanic membrane with a knitting needle is reported. The incudo-stapedial joint was dislocated and the intact stapes was depressed into the vestibule. Exploration of the middle ear, followed by extraction of the stapes, closure of the oval window with a vein graft and interposition of a prosthesis between the incus and oval window, improved the condition but did not restore inner ear function. A second case, of unclear etiology, is also presented. The indications, timing and technique of surgical intervention in cases of traumatic luxation of the stapes are briefly discussed.