Ultrasonic observation of the nail matrix.
BACKGROUND
The authors made use of echograms for the observation of the nail matrix.


OBJECTIVE
To inspect the nail matrix and identify what causes nail plate deformities.


METHODS
A 30-MHz frequency high-resolution B-mode was applied to normal and damaged nails.


RESULTS
Clear shadows of underlying nail plates were observed beneath the proximal nail fold. Some cases with nail plate deformities showed damaged sub-proximal fold nail plates, which would indicate nail matrix deformities.


CONCLUSIONS
The echograms had diagnostic value to nail plate deformities. If a normal echogram is obtained at the proximal nail fold, the nail bed will be the place at which the nail deformities occur. If the echogram indicates any sub-proximal fold nail plate changes, the damaged nail matrix may be attributable to the nail deformities. Echograms also gave clear echoic shadows of subungual tumors. That contributed to identifying the infiltrating border of subungual malignant melanomas around the nail matrix noninvasively.
Hirai
T
T
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
Fumiiri
M
M
D005385:Fingers / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009260:Nail Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009262:Nails / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries; D009264:Nails, Malformed / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation