The Experiences of Airway Management for Anesthesia of Patients with Postburn Mentosternal Contractures -10 cases report-

Postburn sternomental contractures (PBSMC) of the neck can cause difficulties in endotracheal intubation when the cervical hyperextension and lifting of the mandible are impaired. Ten patients with a healed burn of the neck were assessed prior to surgery using the modified Mallampati test, and by measuring the sternomental distance, interincisor gap with their mouth fully open, and using Onah's classification system for PBSMC. Difficult endotracheal intubation was predicted. The patients were intubated successfully with a fiberoptic bronchoscope. The fiberoptic bronchoscope was found to be a useful device for managing patients with PBSMC. Moreover, Onah's classification system can be used for assessing postburn contractures.