Mallampati score
Pronunciation: mal-am-PAH-tee
A four-class clinical assessment of oropharyngeal visibility used to predict the relative ease of endotracheal intubation and airway management difficulty.
Full Definition
The Mallampati score (Classes I–IV) is determined by asking a seated patient to open their mouth and protrude their tongue, then observing the visible oropharyngeal structures. Class I indicates full visibility of the soft palate, uvula, and tonsillar pillars; Class IV indicates that only the hard palate is visible, predicting difficult intubation. In dental anesthesiology, the Mallampati score is routinely documented as part of the preoperative airway assessment alongside mouth opening, neck mobility, and thyromental distance. Editors should render the class designations using Roman numerals (Class I, Class II, etc.) and should note that 'Mallampati' is a proper noun—always capitalised—and is sometimes misspelled as 'Malampati' or 'Mallampatti.' The original author's name should be verified in citations.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalise 'Mallampati' as a proper noun. Use Roman numerals for classes (Class I–IV). Common misspellings—'Malampati,' 'Mallampatti'—should be corrected in copy-editing.
In Context
- "The preoperative chart recorded a Mallampati score of Class III, prompting preparation of advanced airway equipment." — Preoperative airway assessment form
- "A Mallampati Class IV airway is associated with significantly increased intubation difficulty." — Dental anesthesia training manual