A novel comprehensive model of indicators reflecting the relative spatial position of the anterior cervical structures for predicting difficult laryngoscopy in patients with cervical spondylosis

Background

Accurate assessment of difficult airway (DA) is critical, as failure to identify DA may lead to life-threatening complications. This study aimed to develop a multiparameter predictive model for DA using a novel ultrasound reference line (XU-line).

Methods

In this prospective, observational, single-blinded study, patients scheduled for elective cervical spondylosis surgery at Peking University Third Hospital underwent preoperative airway evaluation via physical indices and ultrasonography. Distances from the XU-line to six anatomical landmarks (hyoid bone, cricoid cartilage, epiglottis, vocal cords, thyroid isthmus, and suprasternal notch) were measured both in supine and sniffing positions. Participants were stratified into “easy laryngoscopy” and “difficult laryngoscopy” groups based on Cormack–Lehane (C-L) grades. Multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of difficult laryngoscopy.

Results

There were significant differences in the thirteen clinical factors between the two groups. Sex, modified Mallampati test, skin-to-epiglottis distance (neutral position), XU-line-to-vocal-cords distance (sniffing position), and spatial distances from XU-line to cricoid cartilage were found to be independent risk factors for difficult laryngoscopy. A combined model incorporating these five factors demonstrated superior predictive performance (sensitivity: 82.0 %; specificity: 61 %) compared to individual clinical predictors or traditional clinical models.

Conclusion

The spatial relationship between cervical airway structures and the XU-line may serve as a novel predictive index in a comprehensive DA assessment model.