[Preservation of the stapedial muscle in the treatment of otospongiosis, apropos of 48 cases].

The surgical management of otosclerosis, using drilling of the foot plate with a 8 mm diamond burr, 4 mm diameter, teflon prosthesis and vein graft, seems to be in our experience the safest procedure. However, we have tried to keep the function of the stapedial muscle in 48 patients to study the effects on hearing improvement, the stapedial reflex conservation, the protection of inner ear during the six months after surgery. The original technique and results are reported. After surgery, we have not observed any case of painful amplified hearing or of resonance. The audition is reestablished like with the usual techniques.