Phylogeny of the stapes prosthesis.

OBJECTIVE

To create the first ever stapes prosthesis phylogenetic tree for the evolution of the stapes prosthesis.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective literature review, personal interviews.

SETTING

University Medical Center.

PATIENT: Not applicable.

INTERVENTION: Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Construction of a stapes prosthesis phylogenetic tree with branches capable of including all stapes prostheses.

RESULTS

One hundred five different stapes prostheses were reviewed, starting with the first-ever prosthesis used in the first stapedectomy and continuing up to the present time. The stapes prosthesis family tree contains 4 main branches that allow for categorization of all the commercial prostheses currently used. Many examples of atavistic prostheses, single surgeon use, and dead-end characteristics exist.

CONCLUSION

An overview of the complicated phylogenetic tree for stapes prostheses gives great perspective to the history of stapedectomy and insights into many characteristics that are useful for designing new stapes prostheses.