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Mallampati Score

Purpose: To evaluate a patient prior to intubation using the Mallampati score.

Description

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:

(1) The patient sits upright with the head in the neutral position.

(2) The patient is asked to open the mouth as widely as possible and to protrude the tongue to the maximum.

(3) 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).


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Specialty

Objective

ICD-10