ABSTRACT
High resolution computed tomography (CT) scanning remains the primary imaging modality though complementary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies may demonstrate associated labyrinthine and internal auditory meatal abnormalities. CT virtual endoscopy may offer a further mode of presenting the images for pre-operative surgical planning although currently it fails to image satisfactorily the stapes suprastructure. Congenital stapes ankylosis at the level of the footplate was first described by Shambaugh in 1952. Though surgery is difficult in cases of a deformed incus or fixations of the incus and malleus in the attic, reported results are good. The persistent stapedial artery passes anteriorly, exiting the canal at the geniculate ganglion, and passes into the extradural space of the middle cranial fossa, where it gives rise to the middle meningeal artery. A variety of non-ossicular congenital middle ear abnormalities may also be associated with ossicular deformities.
