An Investigation of Otosclerotic Foci in Stapes Superstructure and Evaluation of Results Using Audiometric Data

Abstract

Objective:To investigate the stapes superstructure removed during the surgical procedure under a light microscope,see whether the stapes superstructure was directly or indirectly affected by otosclerosis, and evaluate the results using the audiometricdata. Methods:Histologic section of the stapes superstructures of 30 patients operated for otosclerosis were retrospectively analyzed. Results:There were no obvious active/inactive otosclerotic foci in the investigated stapes superstructures.Nevertheless, stapes superstructures had certain histopathologic findings that were not normally expected.Patients with otosclerotic alterations(Group 1) and without otosclerotic alterations(Group 2) were compared by preoperative and postoperative air conduction, bone conduction, and air-bonegap. Conclusion:The stapes superstructure contained degenerative findings similar to osteoarthritis of long bones and histopathologic changes that might be considered significant in terms of otosclerosis.Nevertheless, these changes did not significantly affect preoperative and postoperative pure tone audiometry data.This is the first study that investigated the stapes superstructure from the otosclerosis perspective,and the cases were assessed in combination with audiometric data. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.