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Many anatomical factors in difficult intubation at direct laryngoscopy have been evaluated. Lateral radiographs were taken of nineteen patients in whom tracheal intubation proved particularly difficult, and fourteen patients whose intubation was reasonably straightforward. Step wise discriminant analysis was used to select the best measurements for distinguishing between the difficult and straightforward groups. The variables which together are most reliable in predicting likely difficulty in intubation are reduced atlanto-occipital extension, reduced mandibular space, and lastly, increased antero-posterior thickness of the tongue. Aformula and graph have been derived to relate these variables with likelihood of difficulty, and a method has been described of applying this information at the bedside, without using X-ray examination, to estimate the likelihood of difficulty in intubating a new patient. Eighteen months' experience of the application of this clinical evaluation have so far found it reliable.

Quantities related to the amount of trabecular bone in the distal radius and cortical bone in the radius mid-shaft have been measured in 262 normal adults of both sexes aged 21-89 years by computed tomography (CT). A special-purpose CT system (ISOTOM) which incorporated a source of 125I (29 keV) was used to make the measurements. The relationships between these quantities and age, weight, height and surface area have been evaluated, and the results have been used to draw conclusions on the significance of values measured in female patients with osteoporosis, Colles' fracture of the wrist and generalised osteoarthritis.

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