Pressures Exerted Against the Cervical Vertebrae by the Standard and Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airways: A Randomized, Controlled, Cross-Over Study in Fresh Cadavers

Abstract

Laryngeal mask devices exert greater pressures against the cervical vertebrae than established intubation techniques and can produce posterior displacement of the cervical spine. We recommend that laryngeal mask devices only be used in the unstable cervical spine if difficulties are anticipated or encountered with established techniques, pending the results of studies demonstrating its relative safety.