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.
Fish bone ingestion is a common presentation in ENT. If not managed correctly, it can cause serious complications for the patient and dilemmas for the clinician. A 49-year-old Sri Lankan woman presented to the emergency department following shark bone ingestion with a 'pricking' sensation in her throat. After initial investigation, the bone migrated through to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. After surgical removal of the shark bone she went on to develop a large neck collection, which required surgical drainage. The careful attention to the patient's history and use of imaging facilitated treatment in this case of fish bone ingestion and management of the sequelae.
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