Traumatic stapes fracture with rotation and subluxation into the vestibule and pneumolabyrinth.

A 41-year-old man presented after forceful penetrating ear injury. He had incapacitating vestibular symptoms. Computed tomography revealed pneumolabyrinth with a fractured stapes that was >90 degrees rotated and subluxed into the vestibule, such that the crura and capitulum could be seen in the vestibule. Surgical repair reversed the vestibular symptoms, but there was persistent hearing loss. Stapes fractures are unusual and rarely associated with subluxation into the vestibule. When this does occur, there is usually simple footplate depression. This case demonstrates a rare stapes fracture with pneumolabyrinth and >90 degrees stapes rotation, then subluxation into the vestibule. Laryngoscope, 2009.