title: A quantitative method for measuring forces applied by nail braces.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nail bracing is a conservative method used for ingrown nails; however, lack of objective measurements limits its use for various nails.
  
  
  METHODS
  Double-string nail braces with extra metal springs were applied to 12 patients with 21 chronic, thick, and overcurved ingrown nails. Force was measured with a force gauge meter. Treatment was stopped once patients stood on their tiptoes and walked in shoes pain free without braces. A force gauge meter was also used on a model nail to show the forces applied by various nail braces and to compare their pulling forces.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 6 to 10 months of treatment, all of the patients were pain free; 600 to 1,000 centi Newtons of force were applied to the nails. As the width of the nail increased, so did the force.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Braces exert more force on larger nails, which may shorten treatment durations. By measuring forces, it may be possible to standardize force and duration of treatment according to variables such as nail thickness, nail width, angle of ingrown nail, and duration of symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology, Ufuk University, Mevlana Bulv. No:86-88, (Konya Yolu), Ankara, Balgat 06520, Turkey. gulruer@gmail.com
authors.forename: Fatma G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Erdogan
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009263:Nails, Ingrown / Q000628:therapy*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011032:Podiatry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013165:Splints