Ultrasonographic evaluation of palatoglossal space with and without jaw protrusion as a predictor of difficult mask ventilation

Safe and effective airway management is a cornerstone of anesthetic practice. Difficult mask ventilation (DMV) can lead to serious complications if not anticipated early. As such, accurate predictors of DMV are essential for preoperative airway assessment. In recent years, ultrasonography has emerged as a non-invasive, bedside tool for dynamic airway evaluation. Several studies have explored the use of ultrasound-based assessments as a reliable approach for predicting difficult airways. But, There is paucity of literature on ultrasound based assessment of palatoglossal space with and without jaw protrusion as a predictor of difficult mask ventilation in adult patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of ultrasound assessment of palatoglossal space with and without jaw protrusion in predicting difficult mask ventilation.