Mallampati score

Mallampati Score

The Mallampati Score (pronounced: mal-lam-pa-tee score) is a medical classification system used to predict the ease of endotracheal intubation. It was first described by Indian-born anesthesiologist Rajagopalan Mallampati in 1985.

Etymology

The term "Mallampati Score" is named after Dr. Rajagopalan Mallampati, who first proposed this classification system. The word "score" is derived from the Old Norse word 'skor', meaning a notch or tally, often used to keep count or score.

Description

The Mallampati Score is a simple and quick assessment that can be performed preoperatively to predict the difficulty of endotracheal intubation. It is based on the visibility of the base of uvula, faucial pillars, and soft palate when the patient opens their mouth and protrudes their tongue to the maximum.

Classification

The Mallampati Score is divided into four classes:

• Class I: Full visibility of tonsils, uvula, and soft palate
• Class II: Visibility of hard and soft palate, upper portion of tonsils and uvula
• Class III: Soft and hard palate and base of the uvula are visible
• Class IV: Only hard palate visible

Higher Mallampati scores (III and IV) are associated with increased difficulty in endotracheal intubation.

Related Terms

• Endotracheal Intubation
• Anesthesiology
• Rajagopalan Mallampati
• Uvula
• Faucial Pillars
• Soft Palate

See Also

• Cormack-Lehane Classification
• Wilson Risk Score

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Mallampati score
• Wikipedia's article - Mallampati score

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