Question

How to align axes of neck for ideal laryngoscopy?

A. Extend head at atlanto-occipital joint; flex at C5-C6
B. Extend head at C5-C6; flex at atlanto-occipital joint
C. Extend head at atlanto-axial joint; flex at C5-C6
D. Extend head at C5-C6; flex at atlanto-axial joint

Answer 1

For ideal laryngoscopy, the head should be extended at the atlanto-occipital joint and flexed at the C5-C6 level, a combination that aligns the airway axes efficiently.

Step-by-step explanation:

To align the axes of the neck for ideal laryngoscopy, the correct approach is to extend the head at the atlanto-occipital joint and flex at the C5-C6 level. This positioning is often referred to as the 'sniffing position' and it helps to align the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes to create a straight line for easier visualization during laryngoscopy.

The atlanto-occipital joint allows for flexion and extension of the head, mimicking a 'yes' motion, while the movement at the C5-C6 provides the necessary flexion of the neck. The atlantoaxial joint, between the atlas (C1) and axis (C2), facilitates rotation or the 'no' motion, and is not the main joint involved in optimizing the laryngoscopic view.