The use of allograft stapes

One of the most challenging problems to the otologic surgeon has been the reconstruction of the middle ear in which the only remaining tissue is the stapedial footplate or a membranous remnant of the oval window. Columellae such as polyethylene, shaped allograft incus, are generally accepted and commonly used but the results of this type IV modification are not as good as those of type II or type III modification because of poor contact between the columella and the footplate.