The missing stapes and the Tabor prosthesis.

Abstract

This is a description of a new stapes replacement prosthesis (SRP), which we term "Tabor". The prosthesis has two parts--the lower part is made of a broad inorganic, biocompatible material (Teflon) base, which fits and covers most of the footplate, ensuring maximal stability. The upper part of the prosthesis is made of autograft or homograft bone--usually a malleus head, the contact of which with the drum prevents extrusion. Eleven out of 12 ears operated with this prosthesis were successful--the average postoperative air conduction going up 33 dB (15-50), leaving an average of 18 dB (5-30) air-bone gap. The bone conduction also improved, from an average of 21 dB (10-30) to an average of 14 dB (10-25).