Based on the appearance and, furthermore, on the color of the visible portion of stapes footplate, before removing superstructure, the authors have formulated a new classification of otosclerosis: blue otosclerosis (blue footplate), white otosclerosis (white footplate), and obliterative otosclerosis (nonvisible footplate). The advantage of this classification is that it consents, before making any manipulation on the stapes, a rapid and simple identification of the different degrees of difficulty of surgery: I degree, blue otosclerosis; II degree, white otosclerosis; and III degree, obliterative otosclerosis.

The use of Fisch's reversal steps stapedotomy is recommended only when the visible portion of the footplate, before removing the stapes superstructure, is blue in all its points, that is, "blue otosclerosis," because only in this case that the original idea of Fisch avoids incus and footplate complications. When the visible portion of the footplate, before removing the stapes superstructure, is white in all or in most of its points, that is, "white otosclerosis," the reversal steps technique by Fisch is not recommended because it does not avoid incus luxation/subluxation and footplate complications (fracture and luxation of the anterior half).

The modified DCB represents an excellent partial ossicular replacement prosthesis. The perichondrium layer left attached on the cartilage surface in contact with tympanic membrane increases the stability of DCB and prevents the displacement and the loss of stiffness of the cartilage. The modified DCB ossiculoplasty is easy to perform. Hearing results are satisfactory and lasting. The cost is null, and the tolerance is excellent.

Otol Neurotol. 2014;35:1755-1758. Migirov L, Shapira Y, Wolf M. The feasibility of endoscopic transcanal approach for insertion of various cochlear electrodes: a pilot study.

The new stapedotomy prevented footplate complications and improved hearing results in diffuse and biscuit otosclerosis.