Otosclerosis is the commonest cause of acquired deafness in young adults. The development of the stapedectomy operation in 1956 by Dr John Shea has transformed the outcomes for these patients. In this landmark paper Dr Shea shares his experience and results from 40 years of performing this procedure with over 14,000 cases! Confirming beyond doubt that the stapedectomy is a successful and revolutionary procedure which has stood the test of time with exceptional results. Slight modifications in his technique have led to the fenestra stapedectomy technique, now considered the gold standard.

Check out the full article in the American Journal of Otolaryngology.

Shea JJ. Forty years of Stapes surgery. Am J Otol 1998;19:52-5.

Article of further interest for evidence towards the use of a small fenestra operation:

Smyth GD, Hassard TH. Eighteen years experience in stapedectomy. The case for the small fenestra operation. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1978;87(Suppl. 49):3-36.