Clinical recognition of a difficult airway is needed before tracheal intubation is attempted.
Steps:
(1) apply the Mallampati classification
(2) measure the thyromental distance
(3) assess mobility of neck joints
(4) view the head and neck frontally and in profile
|
Problem recognition |
Abnormal Finding |
|
thyromental distance |
< 6 cm |
|
flexion of the neck |
restricted flexion |
|
extension of the neck |
restricted extension at the atlanto-occipital joint |
|
structure of head and neck |
short neck, micrognathia, maxillary dental overbite |
Interpretation
|
Mallampati Score |
Abnormal Finding Present? |
Likelihood of Difficulty |
|
1 |
No |
low |
|
1 |
Yes |
moderate |
|
2 |
No |
moderate |
|
2 |
Yes |
high |
|
3 |
No |
high |
|
3 |
Yes |
high |
Purpose: To recognize the possibility of a difficult airway prior to attempting tracheal intubation.
Specialty: Anesthesiology, Surgery, general, Pulmonology, Cardiology, Emergency Medicine, Otolaryngology
Objective: other testing
ICD-10: ,
