Routine intubation in the prone position

Figures & data

Table I. Correlation between Mallampati grading of pharyngeal structures (see text) seen before laryngoscopy and visualization of the glottis according to Cormack and Lehane at intubation in 247 consecutive patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery.

	Cormack and Lehane grade
Mallampati class	G 1	G 2	G 3	G 4	Total
C 1	137	23	2	1^a	163
C 2	22	26	13	0	61
C 3	3	8	8	2 + 2^a	23
Total	162	57	23	5	247

^aPatients in whom intubation in the prone position was not possible.