■ BACKGROUND: Stapes surgery in otosclerosis underwent considerable evolution. It is characterized mostly by development of different stapes prostheses introduced into scala vestibuli via a small opening in the immobile footplate. Due to several reasons, we prefer: (1) to remove the entire fixed stapes plate; (2) to use stapes superstructure instead of prosthesis.

■ METHOD: In a video film will be presented the essential stages of the operative intervention, which was applied up to now in over 1000 patients. It is of utmost importance to keep the incudostapedial joint intact during the operation. After substitution of the footplate with connective tissue, the fractured stapedial crura are repositioned over the flap, covering the oval window.

■ RESULTS: Until now the results, both early and late, are very good. We have performed reoperation only in five cases, in which there was contact between the stapes crura and the bony edge of the oval window that usually occurred one or two years after the operation.

■ CONCLUSION: By this method, which is a modification of the techniques described by Zangemeister and Portmann, the conductive sound system of the middle year is restored very close to the normal state.