Laryngeal mask airway insertion. A comparison of the standard versus neutral position in normal patients with a view to its use in cervical spine instability.

The ease of insertion of the laryngeal mask airway with the patient's head in the standard position and the neutral position was compared, in a study of 80 healthy patients. Successful insertion was assessed by fibreoptic bronchoscopy and the functioning of the airway. In terms of function the successful insertion rate for the standard position was 100% (40/40) and for the neutral position 95% (38/40). There were no significant differences in scores as assessed by fibreoptic bronchoscopy. The laryngeal mask airway may have a role in the management of some patients with cervical spine instability, although confirmation of this ultimately depends on the results of outcome studies.