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


METHODS
Retrospective literature review, personal interviews.


METHODS
University Medical Center.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Fritsch
Michael H
MH
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA. mfritsch@iupui.edu
Naumann
Ilka C
IC
D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D009998:Ossicular Prosthesis / Q000266:history*; D010040:Otosclerosis / Q000266:history* / Q000601:surgery; D011474:Prosthesis Design / Q000266:history*; D013201:Stapes Surgery / Q000266:history* / Q000295:instrumentation