Cervical spine movement during intubation using the Airtraq® and direct laryngoscopy

Materials and methods: Thirty three patients without cervical spine problems were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized into direct laryngoscopy and Airtraq® groups. Assessment of movement of the cervical spine was made by taking 3 lateral cervical spine X-rays. First, when the cervical spine was in the neutral position, second during the greatest excursion of the cervical spine, and finally, after intubation. A reference line was drawn following the dorsal alignment of C2. Two other lines were drawn, one connecting the anterior and posterior arch of the atlas (C1) and the second through the basal plate of C3. The angle with the C1 arch line was called α and with the C3 line was called β.