| The presence of mandibular fracture may be considered a predictor of both difficult laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. The use of preoperative predictors and bedside tests has been shown to improve identification of difficult direct laryngoscopy. Components of preoperative airway assessment can be altered by mandibular fracture and its attendant pain and trismus. The incidence of difficult direct laryngoscopy in mandibular fracture patients has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to identify mandibular fracture as a predictor of difficult intubation. The validity of common predictors used in the LEMON approach to the preoperative airway evaluation, and interincisal opening (IIO) were assessed in patients who had fractured mandibles. No association was observed between difficult intubation and LEMON evaluation, preoperative IIO, the presence of mandible fracture, or mandible fracture location. One can expect a significant improvement in mouth opening following induction in isolated mandibular fracture patients. |
