Microradiographic Studies on the Otosclerotic Stapes

Abstract

The distribution of mineral salts was studied in 58 normal and 80 otosclerotic stapedes of different degree of activity. By means of soft roentgen micro-radiography it was possible to compare the distribution of mineral salts in otosclerotic foci and normal stapedes. In the otosclerotic stapedes it was found that the active and quiescent foci are less mineralized than the parts not affected by the disease; the foci are also less mineralized than the normal stapedes. The active foci showed a lower X-ray absorption than the quiescent ones; this means that the otosclerotic foci increase their mineral content in the course of their evolution.