Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A Review of Ultrasound Parameters for Predicting Difficult Airways
Published on: April 7, 2023
Radiologic indicators for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy in patients with cervical spondylosis
1Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
Background:
We identified the most useful variables for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy in patients with cervical spondylosis according to physical indicators and preoperative skeletal X-ray and soft tissue MRI measurements. We hypothesized that there was a closer association between difficult laryngoscopy and radiologic indicators.
Methods:
We randomly enroled 315 patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery and analysed the radiological and physical data in predicting difficult laryngoscopy.
Results:
We identified five variables that were most useful in predicting difficult laryngoscopy: the inter-incisor gap (P = 0.006), modified Mallampati test score (P = 0.004), distance from the highest point of the hyoid bone to the mandibular body (P < 0.001), most antero-inferior point of the upper central incisor tooth (P < 0.001), and length of the epiglottis (P = 0.002). Binary multivariate logistic regression analyses identified three factors that were independently associated with difficult laryngoscopy: the Mallampati score, distance from the hyoid bone to the mandibular body, and the anterior-inferior point of the upper central incisor tooth. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 1.547 (1.029-2.327), 1.222 (1.139-1.310), and 1.224 (1.133-1.322), respectively. The AUC for hyoid bone distance to mandibular body (0.832) was larger than that of anterior-inferior point of the upper central incisor tooth (0.802, P > 0.05) and that of modified Mallampati test (0.602, P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Distance from the highest point of the hyoid bone to the mandibular body appears to be the most accurate indicator for difficult laryngoscopy in patients with cervical spondylosis.
Related Concept Videos
Indicators
Predicting Molecular Geometry
Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
Prediction Intervals
However, the point estimate is most likely not the exact value of the population parameter, but close to it. After calculating point estimates, we construct interval estimates, called confidence intervals or prediction intervals. This prediction interval comprises a range of values unlike the point estimate and is a better predictor of the observed sample value, y.
Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings

