Forearm support to reduce dental contact during direct laryngoscopy: a randomized crossover trial
Authors' conclusion
Compared with conventional laryngoscopy, a novel laryngoscopy technique that maintains head extension using the practitioner's left forearm or elbow to support the patient's forehead significantly reduced the risk of dental contact, increased the blade-to-tooth distance and the angle of head extension, and provided better glottic visualization.
Study context
- Population
- Adults scheduled for elective surgery requiring tracheal intubationcrossover
- Participants
- 84 adults
- Comparison
- Novel vs Conventional
- Noveln = 84
- Conventionaln = 84reference
- Primary endpoint
- Incidence of dental contact during direct laryngoscopy
Methodological detailscrossover, single-centre
- Crossover
- Single-centre
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
P < 0.001
Secondary outcomes
| Outcome | Mean difference (°) (95% CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angle of head extension | 4.5 (2.1–6.8) | P < 0.001 | |
| −50510Difference, ° (linear scale) |
POGO score of 4 or 5
P = 0.01
| Outcome | Estimate | P value |
|---|---|---|
| Blade-to-tooth distanceIQR 0-1; longer with novel technique | median difference 0 mm | P = 0.001 |
| POGO scoreIQR 0-1; higher with novel technique | median difference 1 | P = 0.003 |
Original publication
Forearm support to reduce dental contact during direct laryngoscopy: a randomized crossover trial. Can J Anaesth. Published 13 October 2025. doi:10.
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