Parameters that may be used to predict difficulty with airway management

This table shows various physical characteristics that may be assessed as part of the preoperative airway examination, as listed in the 2022 ASA Practice Guidelines for Management of the Difficult Airway. These measurements have high predictive and comparative variability, with a wide range of sensitivity and specificity. The guidelines recommend assessing multiple airway features; choice of the components should be at the discretion of the clinician. For further information on airway assessment and nonreassuring findings for some of the parameters in this table, refer to UpToDate content on airway management for induction of anesthesia.