A finite-element model of the cat middle ear was modified to include a shell representation of the incudostapedial joint. A low-frequency, uniform sound pressure was applied to the eardrum. Joint stiffness was varied from very low to very high. The resulting displacements of the stapedial footplate, incudostapedial joint, manubrium and eardrum were examined. The footplate tilts both anteroposteriorly and inferosuperiorly for almost all Young's modulus values. The in-plane rotation of the footplate is greatest when the incudostapedial joint is effectively rigid. The joint compresses most when it is extremely flexible and less as the joint becomes less flexible. The joint compression is greater than the joint shear. The displacement pattern of the eardrum is relatively insensitive to changes in the joint stiffness.
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