Military

Mallampati Score

(From medal.org, the largest collection of medical algorithms, © Medal.org Ltd)

Human mouth (From Wikipedia).

Mallampati score - Modification of Samsoon and Young (Modified from Wikipedia).

Overview

The Mallampati score is a simple grading system evaluating the size of the base of the tongue, which is felt to be an important factor determining the degree of difficulty in direct laryngoscopy .

Technique

The patient sits upright with the head in the neutral position.
The patient is asked to open the mouth as widely as possible and to protrude the tongue to the maximum.
The observer sits opposite at eye level and with a light source inspects the pharyngeal structures.

Original Score

Visibility of Pharyngeal Structures	Class
uvula, faucial pillars, and soft palate visible	I
faucial pillars and soft palate visible	II
only soft palate visible	III

Modification of Samsoon and Young

Visibility of Pharyngeal Structures	Class
uvula, fauces, pillars, and soft palate visible	I
fauces, soft palate, and uvula visible	II
soft palate and base of uvula visible	III
soft palate not visible	IV

where:

The fauces refers to the passage from the mouth to the pharynx (includes walls and lumen).

References

Brimacombe J, Berry A. Mallampati classification and laryngeal mask airway insertion (Correspondence). Anesthesia. 1993; 48: 347

Brimacombe JR, Berry AM. Mallampati grade and laryngeal mask placement (Letter to the Editor). Anesth Analg. 1996; 82: 1107-1113.

Cormack RS, Lehane J. Difficult tracheal intubation in obstetrics. Anaesthesia. 1984; 39: 1105-1111.

Mallampati SR, Gatt SP, et al. A clinical sign to predict difficult tracheal intubation: a prospective study. Can Anesth Soc J. 1985; 32: 429-434.

Mallampati SR. Chapter 7: Recognition of the difficult airway. pages 126-142. IN: Benumof JL (editor). Airway Management Principles and Practice. Mosby 1996.

Samsoon GLT, Young JRB. Difficult trachea intubation: a retrospective study. Anaesthesia. 1987; 42: 487-490.