An unusual stapes.

We present a case of a highly unusual stapes in the presence of a normal external ear. The stapes exhibits rudimentary anterior crus with abnormally shaped posterior crus that attached to the mid-portion of a fixed, rudimentary footplate. To our knowledge, this anomaly has not been previously documented. We review the embryological cause that may be contributing to the development of this congenitally abnormal stapes superstructure. This is to highlight the importance of the knowledge of the anatomy of the stapes and its variations especially to the otologists.