Toenail Plate Size Measurement Through the Water-bath Method Using an Ultrasound System

Abstract

Diagnosis and assessment of nail lesions require an understanding of normal anatomical structures and information on their size. However, accurate measurement of the toenail plate on the nail bed has not been reported. This study investigated the usefulness and validity of a method of drawing and measuring the toenail plate through the water-bath method using an ultrasound system. The ultrasound images of the gel and water-bath methods of participants without nail lesions were compared. The thickness of the toenail plate was measured over time in the water. In addition, the thickness, height, width, and nail height index of the toenail plate of participants in their 20s and 40＋ age groups were compared. The results showed that the water-bath method clearly depicted the toenail plate without artifacts. The thickness of the immersed toenail plate remained unchanged at 0 mm, and no significant difference was observed. Furthermore, significant differences were observed in the thickness, height, and nail height index of the toenail plate of participants in their 20s and 40＋ age groups. These results demonstrate that this method can clearly image the toenail structure, and measure and evaluate the toenail plate.