Mallampati score

Editor-in-Chief: Santosh Patel M.D., FRCA [mailto:santosh.patel@pat.nhs.uk]

Overview
In anesthesiology, the Mallampati score, also Mallampati classification, is used to predict the ease of intubation. It is determined by looking at the anatomy of the oral cavity; specifically, it is based on the visibility of the base of uvula, faucial pillars (the arches in front of and behind the tonsils) and soft palate. Scoring may be done with or without phonation. Higher Mallampati Score (Class 4) is associated with more difficult intubation as well as a higher incidence of Sleep Apnea.



Scoring is as follows: Class 1: Full visibility of tonsils, uvula and soft palate Class 2: Visibility of hard and soft palate, upper portion of tonsils and uvula Class 3: Soft and hard palate and base of the uvula are visible Class 4: Only Hard Palate visible