Beware of a Fragile Footplate: Lessons from Ossiculoplasty in Patients with Ossicular Anomalies Related to Second Pharyngeal Arch Defects

Abstract

The stapes footplate is likely to be relatively thin in subjects with SPA-derived ossicular anomalies because the footplate is partially or totally derived from the SPA. Thus, a fragile footplate should be expected, and care is needed when handling the footplate. However, when complications are overcome, the audiological outcomes are excellent in most cases.