XXXX of the incudostapedial joint.

@entity1 @entity154 @entity600 @entity2720 @entity393
OBJECTIVE: To describe @entity154 of the incudostapedial joint (ISJ) and to discuss the possible unique embryogenesis of the ISJ based on the two anomalies that were encountered. SETTING: Tertiary care medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of the medical records of all @entity1 with @entity2720 . RESULTS: Four @entity1 presented with @entity393 . Upon further workup, we observed a preserved incudostapedial joint (ISJ) with deficiencies of the incus and stapes in three cases. Our fourth case demonstrated the inverse pattern of the @entity154 in which the ISJ was missing with an intact proximal incus and stapes crura. Three @entity1 opted for surgical intervention with improvement in hearing. One case preferred @entity393 over surgery. CONCLUSION: @entity600 are uncommon potential causes of @entity393 . Although numerous patterns of @entity154 have been reported in the literature, our case series is the first to demonstrate both the absence of the ISJ in one @entity1 and the presence of the ISJ in the presence of missing stapes crura and incus body in other @entity1 . Though limited by the small number of cases, the inverse relationship of the single case compared to the three other cases, suggests a possible independent embryological development pathway for the ISJ. Therefore, an embryological explanation of the defects should be considered. Additionally, surgical intervention can improve hearing outcomes for @entity1 with @entity2720 .
