Abstract
The floating footplate (FF) is a complication encountered in stapedectomy, i.e. the inadvertent mobilization and falling of the footplate into the vestibule. We retrospectively analyzed 4 cases with this complication from four points, those are performed surgical procedure for the rescue, air and bone conduction threshold changes after operation, the level of footplate on CT scan, and presence of persistent vertigo. As the results, the deterioration of bone conduction thresholds was less in 2 cases (+2, +11dB) in which the FF was remained than in 2 cases (+37, +47dB) in which the fallen FF was removed using complicated procedures. Persistent vertigo was also observed in 2 cases with removal of the FF. Furthermore, re-operation of small fenestra stapedotomy carried out successfully after 6 years in 1 case of these 2 cases with remaining of the FF. As a conclusion, placing a fascia and piston without removing the FF seems to be a safer rescue procedure compared to removing the FF during stapedectomy.
