Abstract

Predictive tests like modified mallampatti test, interincisordistance(IID), upper lip bite test(ULBT) are routinely done to anticipate difficult airway requiring exposure of upper airway to the assessor and environment. Condyle tragus maximal distance(CTMD) measurement can be used to predict difficult airway without exposing upper airway Objectives:To compare above tests to predict difficult airway and predictive value of CTMD test Methods and study design :Eighty adult patients undergoing surgery with endotracheal intubation under general anaesthesia, aged between 18-60 years, ASA physical status I and II are enrolled. Mallampatti grading, IID,ULBT and CTMD are evaluated one day prior to surgery. During procedure CL grading, time to intubation and attempts at intubation were noted . Results: The study included 80 patients. 25 patients were identified as difficult airway. In patients where intubation was successful in first and second attempts belong to CTMD >1 finger and third and fourth attempts belonged to CTMD <1 finger. The mean and standard deviation of time to intubation in CTMD test was 109.38 and 17.75 in <1 finger and 51.63 and 9.47 in >1 finger which was statistically significant. Interpretation and conclusion :CTMD evaluation can be used as an alternative to other predictive tests for predicting difficult airway without exposing upper respiratory tract to the assesser and environment, which is safe considering the present pandemic situation

Description