The following is a summary of “Areal Roughness of the Dorsal Nail Plate,” published in the March 2024 issue of Dermatology by Beatty, et al.
For a study, researchers sought to assess the utility of surface texture measurements of cadaveric nails, focusing on Beau lines, onychorrhexis, and psoriatic lesions and their potential association with histopathological studies in the future.
The nail plates of four cadaveric right pollices and halluces were prepared by cleaning and molding, then cast in clear epoxy. Subsequently, they were scanned using a Sensofar S Neox optical profilometer. To determine the significance of the findings, statistical analysis was conducted using one-way analysis of variance.
Minimal differences were observed between the scans of pollex and hallux and between the distal and proximal regions. However, significant differences were noted between individuals. Lower magnification (5×) was less sensitive than higher magnification (20×), although it provided a more comprehensive characterization of the dorsal nail plate.
The study indicated that the areal roughness of the dorsal nail plate exhibits a measurable range of values, potentially serving as a basis for evaluating pathological findings such as Beau lines and psoriatic lesions. These techniques offer sensitivity that could aid in identifying early stages of growth disruptions and psoriasis. The applications of these findings extend to the investigation of wildlife and vulnerable human populations with incomplete treatment records.
Reference: journals.lww.com/ijdv/fulltext/2024/03000/areal_roughness_of_the_dorsal_nail_plate.5.aspx