Shea Footplate

Description

Shea Footplate

The Shea footplate hook is a fine instrument for stapes surgery. It takes its name from John Shea, who popularized stapedectomy. Surgeons use it for delicate work on the footplate and at the oval window.

Purpose

In stapes surgery, the footplate must be handled or removed with great care. So the surgeon needs a slim hook with a precise tip. This hook helps lift fragments and adjust tissue at the oval window.

Straight or curved

We offer a straight and a curved version. The straight hook works well for direct access. The curved hook, however, reaches around the edge of the canal. Our catalogue, meanwhile, puts the length at about 16 cm.

Role in the procedure

The hook comes into play after the surgeon removes the stapes arch. Then they may work on the footplate before placing a prosthesis. Footplate picks and drills often sit alongside it.

Choosing a version

If your canal access is usually good, the straight hook may be enough. Otherwise, add the curved version for difficult angles. Many surgeons keep both, since each suits a different view.

Caring for your Shea footplate hook

Protect the tip from knocks during cleaning. Next, brush it gently, rinse and dry it. Finally, lay it in a padded instrument case for the sterilizer, well apart from heavier tools.

Shea footplate hook details

• Hook versions: straight, or curved for angled access
• Listed at about 16 cm
• Stainless steel

Ordering Shea hooks

This hook comes with a three-year warranty on defects that stem from workmanship. Also, our staff in Atlanta examine the tip by hand before the order leaves. Our FAQ resource page explains quotes and delivery. ASTM F899 identifies which stainless alloys work for surgical tools. To open the footplate, see the Buckingham footplate hand drill. Also view the full ENT surgical category.

Professional use only. We describe photo accuracy and nickel in steel in our instrument care article, and the shipping section lists delivery times.