To the Editor:—
It is interesting to read the recent study by Adnet et al. , 1its accompanied editorial, and other related reader comments on the “sniffing position.” We applaud the efforts of Adnet et al. in challenging the classic three axes alignment theory 2and conducting subsequent studies 1,3to prove their conviction. From our experience as clinicians, we believe the sniffing position is by no means a “gold standard” for laryngoscopy. It is simply one alternative among several techniques, such as laryngeal lift 4or the BURP 5maneuver, to facilitate laryngeal visualization in some clinical situations, such as in patients with limited head extension or obesity as found in the study of Adnet et al. 1
Adnet et al. 2showed that a successful direct laryngoscopy does not require alignment of the three (oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal) anatomic axes. Adnet et al. 3further demonstrated that anatomic alignment of the three axes is impossible to achieve in neutral head position, simple head extension, or sniffing position. Adnet et al. 1concluded that the sniffing position is not any better than simple head extension for facilitating direct laryngoscopy. Thus, we are convinced that the three axes alignment theory is invalid and standard practice doctrine must be rewritten. As clinicians, we must ask, what is the mechanism of direct laryngoscopy? How can we explain the benefit of the sniffing position? To this end, we have proposed a “two axes, tongue, mobility, and space” approach, 6as an outgrowth of the simple original teachings in Gillespie's classic textbook 7:
… In the normal position of the structures the line from the upper incisor teeth through the pharynx to the glottis is almost a right angle. This must be converted into a straight line by the laryngoscope to bring the glottis into the line of vision. To achieve this straight line the base of the tongue and the epiglottis must be lifted anteriorly…. In this (sniffing) position there is no tension on the muscles of the neck, and the distance from the teeth to the glottis is shortened….
We note that there is no hint of a laryngeal axis in Gillespie's teaching of direct laryngoscopy and explanation of sniffing position. In fact, the benefit of the sniffing position may also be illustrated by a simple geometric principle utilizing only the oral and pharyngeal axes. 6
Lastly, from experience, we find that in patients with a short mandibular ramus, 8the sniffing position may worsen glottic exposure. However, if less head extension and more cervical flexion than usual are exerted, glottic exposure may be improved. We suggest that in patients with a short mandibular ramus, in whom the floor of oral cavity is already high (more toward the skull), 8maximal head extension not only increases neck muscle tension but also raises the oral cavity floor even higher; thus, the glottis is further away from the teeth. We do not know if the 11% of negative effect of the sniffing position in the study of Adnet et al. 1represents a similar patient group.
