ABSTRACT Introduction: The radiosynovectomy (RS) is one treatment option for recurrent hemarthrosis in patients with hemophilia (PWH). A prospective cohort study was designed to evaluate the effects of the RS on the synovial membrane volume in the ankles and knees of PWH and patient characteristics related to the RS outcome. Methods: In a one-year follow-up, 25 joints of 22 PWH who presented 3 bleeds or more in the same joint over the last 6 months (target joints) were subjected to the RS. Two groups were compared: those who retained target joints following the RS and those who did not (less than 3 bleeds/6 months after the RS). The groups were analyzed according to age, hemophilia type/severity, joint, body mass index (BMI), inhibitor and Hemophilia Joint Health Score 2.1 (HJHS). The magnetic resonance images (MRI) of six ankles and six knees were acquired prior to, and 6 months after, the RS. The synovial membrane volume and arthropathy MRI scale were accessed and volumes were compared and correlated with the Yttrium-90 dose injected. Results: Patients with a mean age of 12 years and a mean HJHS of 6.7 (p < 0.05) retained target joints after the RS. The inhibitor, joint, type/severity of disease and BMI showed no significant differences between groups. The synovial membrane volume had a significant reduction after the RS (p = 0.03), but no correlation with the Yttrium-90 dose. In proportion to the synovial membrane volume, doses injected to the ankles were larger than those injected to the knees. Conclusion: The synovial membrane volume is reduced after the RS, regardless of the effective 90Y dose.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o comportamento mecânico de enxertos ósseos em blocos com geometrias diferentes usando modelos de madeira. Métodos: Montagens com “enxertos” de perfil retangular (G1) e trapezoidal (G2), fixadas com placas de compressão dinâmica de 3,5 mm e oito orifícios, foram submetidas a ensaios não destrutivos de flexão, com a carga aplicada alternativamente na mesma superfície de fixação da placa (superior), na superfície oposta (inferior) e de torsão. Foram consideradas uma carga máxima de 50 N para a flexão e uma deformação máxima de 5° para a torsão. Foram registrados o desvio (mm) e a rigidez (N/mm) para o primeiro e o torque (N.m) para o segundo. Resultados: A rigidez foi consistentemente maior em G2 que em G1, mas não significantemente para todas as comparações. A exceção foi para a carga aplicada na mesma superfície da fixação com a placa, significantemente maior em G1 que em G2. O torque foi mais elevado em G1, mas não significantemente. Conclusão: Os dois “enxertos” de perfis diferentes apresentam comportamento mecânico semelhante, podendo ser utilizados indistintamente na prática clínica. Nível de evidência V; opinião de especialista baseada em matérias básicas.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the mechanical behavior of different geometry bone block grafts in wooden models. Methods: Constructs with rectangular (G1) and trapezoidal (G2) profile “grafts”, fixed with 3.5 mm 8-hole dynamic compression plates were submitted to non-destructive bending, with the load applied alternately on the same surface as that of the plate fixation (upper) and on the opposite surface (lower), and torsion tests. A 50 N maximum load for bending and a 5° maximum deformation for torsion were considered. Rigidity (N/mm) was recorded for the former and torque (N.m) was recorded for the latter. Results: Rigidity was consistently higher in G2 than in G1, but not significantly so for all comparisons. The exception was for the load applied on the same surface of plate fixation, significantly higher in G1 than in G2. Torque was higher in G1, but not significantly so. Conclusion: The two different-profile “grafts” present a similar mechanical behavior and can be indistinctly used in clinical practice. Level of evidence V, specialist's opinion based on basic studies.

OBJECTIVE: The assessment of fracture union includes physical examination and radiographic imaging, which depend on the examiner’s experience. The development of ancillary methods may avoid prolonged treatments and the improper removal of implants. Quantitative bone ultrasonometry has been studied for this purpose and will soon be included in clinical practice. The aims of the present study were to assess the feasibility of using this technique on the clavicle and to standardize its in vivo application. METHODS: Twenty adult volunteers, including 10 men and 10 women without medical conditions or a previous history of clavicle fracture, underwent axial quantitative ultrasonometric assessment using transducers in various positions (different distances between the transducers and different angulations relative to the clavicle). RESULTS: Similar values of wave propagation velocity were obtained in the different tested set-ups, which included distinct distances between the transducers and angular positions relative to the clavicle. There were significant differences only in the transducers positioned at 0° and at 5 or 7 cm apart. CONCLUSIONS: The use of bone ultrasonometry on the clavicle is feasible and the standardization of the technique proposed in this study (transducers placed at 45° and at 7 cm apart) will allow its future application in clinical trials to evaluate the healing process of diaphyseal fractures of the clavicle.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE: To evaluate functional outcomes of patients submit-ted to proximal row carpectomy for the treatment of wrist arthri-tisMETHODS: This is a retrospective study using wrist motion and grip strenght of patients diagnosed with Kienböck disease and scaphoid non-union surgically treated by this techniqueRESULTS: Eleven patients with 2-year follow-up were evaluated. Wrist motion (flexion, extension and ulnar deviation) and grip strength were significantly better from preoperative values. Ho-wever, no difference in radial deviation was observed in these patientsCONCLUSION: Proximal row carpectomy provides an alternative option for treatment of wrist arthritis, resulting in better active range of motion and grip strength in the long run. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Objective: To determine the profile of patients with humeral diaphyseal fractures in a tertiary hospital.Methods: We conducted a survey from January 2010 to July 2012, including data from patients classified under humeral diaphyseal fracture (S42.3) according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). The variables analyzed were: age, gender, presence of radial nerve injury, causal agent and the type of treatment carried out.Results: The main causes of trauma were car accidents. The radial nerve lesion was present in some cases and was caused by the same trauma that caused the fracture or iatrogenic injury. Most of these fractures occurred in the middle third of humeral diaphysis and was treated conservatively.Conclusion: The profile of patients with fracture of humeral shaft, in this specific sample, was composed mainly of adult men involved in traffic accidents; the associated radial nerve lesion was present in most of these fractures and its cause was strongly related to the trauma mechanism. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective Study.

Objective: To analyze the influence of steel plates for osteosynthesis on the velocity of ultrasound propagation (VU) through the bone.Methods: The transverse coronal and sagittal velocity of ultrasound propagation underwater were measured on the intact bone and then on assemblies of the same bone with two types of osteosynthesis plates (DCP and semi tubular), fixed onto the dorsal side of the bones. The first arriving signal (FAS) was the ultrasound parameter used, taking the coronal and sagittal diameters as the distances to calculate velocity. Intergroup statistical comparisons were made at significance level of 1% (p<0.01).Results: Velocity was higher on the intact bones than on the bone-plate assemblies and higher for the semitubular than for the compression plates, although differences were not statistically significant for most comparisons (p=0.0132 to 0.9884), indicating that the steel plates do not interfere significantly with ultrasound wave propagation through the bone-plate assemblies.Conclusion: The velocity reduction effect was attributed to the greater reflection coefficient of the steel as compared to that of bone and water. Ultrasonometry can, thus, be used in the evaluation of healing of fractures fixed with steel plates. Experimental Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare normal and delayed bone healing by measuring ultrasound conduction velocity across the bone callus. METHODS: A model of transverse linear and 5 mm resection osteotomies of sheep tibiae was used. Fourteen sheep were operated on and were divided into two groups of seven according to osteotomy type. The procedure was performed on the right tibiae and the intact left tibiae were used as controls. The transverse and axial ultrasound velocities were measured at 30-day intervals for 90 days, after which the animals were killed and both the right and left tibiae were resected for in vitro biomechanical analysis. RESULTS: Both the transverse and axial ultrasound velocities progressively increased, but the increase was smaller for the delayed union that resulted from the resection osteotomy. The mechanical resistance was higher for the normally healed tibiae that resulted from a linear osteotomy; this result closely correlated with the ultrasound velocity results. Significant differences were found for the comparisons between the intact and operated tibiae in both groups and between the groups for both the transverse and axial ultrasound velocities, but the differences were greater for the latter. CONCLUSION: We conclude that in vivo transverse and axial ultrasound velocities provide highly precise information about the healing state of both linear and resection diaphyseal osteotomies, but the axial ultrasound velocity most likely has greater discriminatory power. This method has the potential for clinical application in humans.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a regeneração da cartilagem articular em defeitos osteocondrais do joelho induzidos pelo plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) autógeno. MÉTODOS: Defeitos osteocondrais produzidos no sulco troclear de ambos os joelhos de dez ovelhas foram preenchidos com PRP autógeno à direita e deixados vazios à esquerda. Avaliação macroscópica e histológica foram efetuadas 12 semanas mais tarde. Os resultados foram avaliados por um escore geral de ambas as avaliações macroscópica e histológica comparativamente entre os lados por meio do teste pareado de Wilcoxon. RESULTADOS: o aspecto macroscópico não foi uniforme entre os animais, nem diferiu entre os joelhos direitos e esquerdos (p=0,03125); em nenhum caso o tecido regenerado se nivelou com a cartilagem normal circundante. Ao exame histológico, cartilagem aparentemente normal não foi detectada em nenhum joelho, mas uma cartilagem pouco diferenciada estava presente em sete joelhos direitos e em três joelhos esquerdos. Tecido fibrocartilaginoso estava presente nos joelhos restantes, com diferença significante no escore geral entre os joelhos direitos e esquerdos (p=0,0313). CONCLUSÃO: o PRP como usado neste estudo tem propriedades reparativas da cartilagem articular no joelho de ovelhas, principalmente por estimular a formação de tecido fibrocartilaginoso. Trabalho Experimental.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the regeneration of osteochondral defects in the joint cartilage of the knee induced by autologous platelet-rich plasma (pRp). METHODS: osteochondral defects produced in the trochlear groove of both knees of ten sheep; defects of the right knees were filled with autologous pRp and the left knees were left unfilled. macroscopic and microscopic evaluation was carried out 12 week later. the results were evaluated by the total score of both macroscopic and microscopic evaluations comparing the two sides through the wilcoxon paired test. RESULTS: macroscopic appearance was not uniform among animals, nor was it different between the right and left knees (p=0.3125), and in no case the regenerated tissue was equal to the normal surrounding cartilage. at histological examination, apparently normal cartilage was not detected in any knee, but a poorly differentiated cartilage was present in 7 right knees, compared to 3 left knees. fibrocartilaginous tissue was present in most of the remaining knees, with a significant difference in the overall score between right and left knees (p=0.0313). CONCLUSION: the pRp as used in this study has reparative properties of the joint cartilage of sheep knees, mostly by stimulating the formation of a fibrocartilaginous tissue. Laboratory Investigation.

OBJETIVO: Realizar um estudo biomecânico de quatro técnicas de fixação das fraturas em quatro partes da cabeça umeral. MÉTODOS: A fratura foi reproduzida em 40 úmeros plásticos, divididos em grupos de dez conforme a técnica de fixação, cada uma delas empregando diferentes recursos de fixação, em configurações distintas. Os modelos umerais foram montados em uma escápula de alumínio, com tiras de couro mimetizando os tendões do capuz rotador, e submetidos a ensaios de encurvamento e de torção em uma máquina universal de ensaios, usando a rigidez relativa como parâmetro de avaliação. Montagens com o úmero intacto foram analisadas para comparação. RESULTADOS: O comportamento biomecânico das técnicas de fixação variou dentro de uma ampla faixa, as montagens incluindo a placa DCP e os parafusos de 4,5mm de diâmetro sendo significantemente mais rígidos do que as montagens com os fios de Kirschner e os parafusos 3,5 mm de diâmetro. CONCLUSÃO: As quatro técnicas foram capazes de suportar cargas compatíveis com a demanda fisiológica, mas aquelas com a maior rigidez relativa devem ser as preferidas para finalidades clínicas. Trabalho experimental.

OBJECTIVE: To carry out a biomechanical study of four techniques for fixation of four-part humeral head fractures. METHODS: The fracture was reproduced in 40 plastic humeri, divided into groups of ten according to the fixation technique, each one employing different fixation resources, in different configurations. The humeral models were mounted on an aluminum scapula, with leather straps simulating the rotator cuff tendons, and submitted to bending and torsion tests in a universal testing machine, using relative stiffness as an evaluation parameter. Assemblies with intact humeri were analyzed for comparison. RESULTS: The biomechanical behavior of the fixation techniques varied within a wide range, where the assemblies including the DCP plate and the 4.5mm diameter screws were significantly more rigid than the assemblies with the Kirschner wires and the 3.5mm diameter screws. CONCLUSION: The four fixation techniques were able to bear loads compatible with the physiological demand, but those with higher relative stiffness should be preferred for clinical application. Laboratory investigation.

OBJETIVO: Medir a velocidade de propagação do ultrassom (VU) através de uma osteotomia transversal em tíbias de ovelha, antes e após a fixação com uma placa DCP. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizadas dez montagens de uma placa DCP com o segmento diafisário das tíbias, no qual era feita uma osteotomia transversal. Foi realizada a medida subaquática transversal, nos planos coronal e sagital, e axial da VU, no osso íntegro, nas montagens sem osteotomia e, depois, com osteotomia sem e com a compressão axial pela placa DCP; comparações estatísticas foram feitas ao nível de significância de 1% (p<0,01). RESULTADOS: Em comparação com a montagem com o osso intacto, a VU diminuiu com a adição da osteotomia e aumentou com a compressão axial, com significância somente para a modalidade axial de medida da VU. CONCLUSÃO: Concluiu-se que esse dado pode ser aplicável ao acompanhamento pós-operatório das osteossíntese com placa DCP, com a capacidade de demonstrar quando esta se torna ineficiente. Trabalho experimental.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the ultrasound propagation velocity (UV) through a tibial transverse osteotomy in sheep, before and after the fixation with a DCP plate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten assemblies of a DCP plate with the diaphyseal segment of tibiae, in which a transverse osteotomy was made, were used. Both coronal and sagittal transverse and the axial UV were measured, first with the intact bone assembled with the plate and then with the uncompressed and compressed osteotomy; statistical comparisons were made at the 1% (p<0.01) level of significance. RESULTS: Compared with the intact bone assembly, axial UV significantly decreased with the addition of the osteotomy and significantly increased with compression, presenting the same behavior for the other modalities, although not significantly. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In accordance with the literature data on the ultrasonometric evaluation of fracture healing, underwater UV measurement was able to demonstrate the efficiency of DCP plate fixation. The authors conclude that the method has a potential for clinical application in the postoperative follow-up of DCP plate osteosinthesis, with a capability to demonstrate when it becomes ineffective. Laboratory investigation.

OBJETIVO: Analisar e comparar as características dos pacientes com sindactilia congênita com os dados da literatura. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo baseado na análise do prontuário médico de 47 pacientes tratados em um período de 10 anos. RESULTADOS: Dos pacientes, 33 (70%) eram do sexo masculino e 14 (30%) do feminino. O número total de sindactilias foi de 116. A mão direita foi acometida em 19 casos (40%), a mão esquerda em 12 (24%) e em 17 (36%) o acometimento foi bilateral. Dezesseis (34%) pacientes possuíam síndromes genéticas. Entre os 31 (66%) não-sindrômicos, 12 (39%) apresentavam sindactilias isoladas e 19 (61%) associação com outras malformações da mão. O terceiro espaço foi acometido 45 (39%) vezes, seguido do quarto espaço com 35 (30%), do segundo com 22 (19%) e do primeiro com 14 (12%). As sindactilias simples foram encontradas 68 (59%) vezes, sendo completas em 44 (65%) situações e parciais em 24 (55%). As complexas foram identificadas 48 (41%) vezes. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados obtidos na presente série são muito semelhantes aos dados encontrados na literatura. Estudo Epidemiológico.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and report clinical data from patients with syndactyly. METHODS: A retrospective review of 47 patients treated between April 2002 and April 2012. RESULTS: Among the 47 analyzed patients, 33 (70%) were male and 14 (30%) female. The total number of syndactylies was 116. The right hand was affected in 19 patients (40%), the left hand in 12 (24%) and 31 (36%) were bilaterally compromised. Sixteen patients (34%) also presented genetic syndromes. Among the 31 (66%) patients without syndromes, 12 (39%) had isolated syndactyly and 19 (61%) presented association with other hand anomalies. The third web space was affected 45 (39%) times; the fourth, 35 (30%) times; the second, 22 (19%) times and the first web space 14 (22%) times. Simple syndactyly was found 68 (59%) times, complete syndactyly in 44 (65%) and incomplete in 24 (55%). Complex syndactyly was found 48 (41%) times. CONCLUSION: The results in this study are similar to the literature. Epidemiological Study.

OBJETIVO: Analisar o efeito do laser nas doses de 5, 10 e 20J/cm² na reparação do nervo fibular de ratos após esmagamento. Os resultados foram avaliados por meio da análise funcional da marcha e de parâmetros morfométricos. MÉTODOS: Lesão por esmagamento controlado do nervo fibular comum direito e submetidos a intensidades crescentes (G1: sem irradiação; G2: sham; G3: 5J/cm²; G4: 10J/cm²; G5: 20J/cm²) de irradiação do laser diretamente sobre o local da lesão por 21 dias consecutivos. A análise funcional da marcha foi realizada a intervalos semanais, tendo sido medido o índice funcional do fibular (IFF). Os animais foram sacrificados nos 21º dia pós-operatório para remoção do nervo fibular, que foi preparado para a análise morfométrica. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa (p>0,05) dos valores da análise de marcha (IFF) entre os grupos em qualquer momento de avaliação para o parâmetro. A área total da secção transversal do nervo foi significantemente maior no grupo 2 do que nos grupos 3 e 4, enquanto a densidade de fibras foi significantemente maior no grupo 4 do que no demais grupos. CONCLUSÃO: A irradiação com o laser AsGaAl de baixa potência não acelerou a regeneração do nervo fibular com nenhuma das doses utilizadas. Nível de Evidência I, Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos Resultados do Tratamento.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of dose of low power lasertherapy (AsGaAl, 830 nm) on the regeneration of fibular nerve on rats after crush, by means of the functional gait analysis and histomorphometric parameters. METHODS: Controlled crush injury of the right common fibular nerve, immediately followed by increasing doses (G1: no irradiation; G2: simulated; G3: 5J/cm²; G4: 10J/cm²; G5: 20J/cm²) laser irradiation directly on the lesion site for 21 consecutive days. Functional gait analysis was carried out at weekly intervals by measuring the peroneal/fibular functional index (PFI). The animals were killed on the 21st postoperative day for removal of the fibular nerve, which was prepared for the histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: The PFI progressively increased during the observation period in all groups, without significant differences between them (p>0.05). The transverse nerve area was significantly wider in group 2 than in groups 3 and 4, while fiber density was significantly greater in group 4 than in all remaining groups. CONCLUSION: The low power AsGaAl laser irradiation did not accelerate nerve recovery with any of the doses used. Level of Evidence I, Therapeutic Studies Investigating the Results of Treatment.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência da espessura do osso cortical sobre a velocidade de propagação do ultrassom (in vitro). MÉTODO: Foram utilizadas 60 lâminas ósseas confeccionadas a partir do fêmur de bovinos, com diferentes espessuras, variando de 1 a 6mm (10 de cada). As medidas da velocidade do ultrassom foram realizadas por aparelho projetado para este fim, utilizando técnica subaquática e por contato direto com auxílio de gel de acoplamento. Os transdutores foram posicionados de duas maneiras diferentes; opostos entre si, com o osso entre eles, sendo a medida chamada de transversal; e, paralelos na mesma superfície cortical, sendo a medida chamada de axial. RESULTADOS: Com o modo de transmissão axial, a velocidade de propagação do ultrassom aumenta conforme a espessura do osso cortical aumenta, independente da distância entre os transdutores, até a espessura de 5mm, mantendo-se constante após. Não houve alteração da velocidade quando o modo de transmissão foi transversal. CONCLUSÃO: A velocidade de propagação do ultrassom aumenta com o aumento da espessura da cortical óssea, no modo de transmissão axial, até o momento em que a espessura supera o comprimento da onda, mantendo a velocidade constante a partir de então. Nível de Evidência: Estudo Experimental.

OBJECTIVE: An experimental in vitro study was carried out to evaluate the influence of cortical bone thickness on ultrasound propagation velocity. METHODS: Sixty bone plates were used, made from bovine femurs, with thickness ranging from 1 to 6 mm (10 of each). The ultrasound velocity measurements were performed using a device specially designed for this purpose, in an underwater acoustic tank and with direct contact using contact gel. The transducers were positioned in two ways: on opposite sides, with the bone between them, for the transverse measurement; and parallel to each other, on the same side of the bone plates, for the axial measurements. RESULTS: In the axial transmission mode, the ultrasound velocity speed increased with cortical bone thickness, regardless of the distance between the transducers, up to a thickness of 5 mm, then remained constant thereafter. There were no changes in velocity when the transverse measures were made. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound velocity increased with cortical bone thickness in the axial transmission mode, until the thickness surpasses the wavelength, after which point it remained constant. Level of Evidence: Experimental Study.

Foi realizado um estudo experimental sobre o desenvolvimento e desempenho de um fixador externo flexível no processo de consolidação de tíbias de carneiros submetidas à osteotomia transversa mediodiafisária. Foram empregados no estudo 20 carneiros da raça Santa Inês, com massa corporal média de 37kg, divididos em diferentes grupos conforme o período de observação pós-operatória, de 30, 45, 60 e 90 dias. Ao final, os animais sofreram a eutanásia e as tíbias foram removidas para estudo de volumetria transversal do calo ósseo por tomografia computadorizada e ensaio mecânico destrutivo. Os resultados mostraram que ocorreu a formação de calo ósseo volumoso, caracterizando assim a ocorrência de deslocamento de carga axial para o foco da osteotomia, promovida pelo fixador externo utilizado. No ensaio mecânico, observou-se que as comparações entre os grupos respectivos intactos e operados foram significantemente diferentes (P<0,05), com exceção do grupo com 90 dias, demonstrando haver rigidez equivalente ao osso normal. Em nenhum dos animais, houve desenvolvimento de pseudoartroses ou não união óssea. Diante dos resultados, conclui-se que o uso do fixador com haste flexível abordado nesta pesquisa para o tratamento de fraturas dos ossos longos de animais de médio porte foi de fácil aplicação, reprodutível e recomendável.

An experimental study was carried out to verify the development and performance of a flexible external fixator on the bone healing process of the tibia of sheep submitted to a transverse diaphyseal osteotomy. It was used twenty Santa Inês sheep with average weigh of 37kg divided in groups, according to the period of postoperative observation of 30, 45, 60 and 90 days. At the end, the animals were sacrificed and the tibiae were removed for study of transverse callus volumetric by computed tomography and destructive mechanical testing. The results had shown that the formation of voluminous callus occurred, thus characterizing the occurrence of displacement of axial load to the focus of the osteotomy, promoted by the used external fixator used. The mechanical testing showed that the comparisons between the respective intact and operated groups were significantly different (P<0.05) except for the group with 90 days, which demonstrated equivalent stiffness when compared to normal bone. In none of the animals there was development of pseudarthrosis or non-union of the bone. Given the results, it was conclude that the use of the flexible fixator covered in this research for treatment of long bones fractures in medium animals was easy to apply, reproducible and recommended.

OBJETIVO: Determinar e comparar os valores das forças isométricas de preensão palmar e pinças em indivíduos sadios de 6 a 19 anos através da dinamometria, considerando as variáveis sexo, dominância e faixa etária. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 199 indivíduos utilizando os dinamômetro Jamar® para a mensuração da preensão palmar e Preston Pinch Gauge® para as pinças, realizando três mensurações consecutivas,, utilizando a média. A análise estatística foi realizada pela regressão linear com efeitos mistos. RESULTADOS: Os valores em kgf encontrados foram 24,51, 3,64, 5,37 e 6,78, respectivamente para preensão palmar, pinça polpa-a-polpa, trípode e lateral, independente das variáveis. Houve diferença significativa em todas as forças mensuradas analisando sexo e dominância independentemente, sendo a mão dominante e o sexo masculino os que obtiveram valores maiores. Entre as faixas etárias foi verificado que as forças variaram conforme a idade, com diferença significativa na maioria das comparações. CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos que a força de preensão palmar e das pinças apresentou diferença significativa no sexo, na dominância e na maioria dos subgrupos etários estudados, devendo ser considerados na dinamometria. Este estudo se mostrou relevante como referência de normalidade para avaliações das forças de preensão e pinças das mãos em crianças e jovens.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine and compare the values of maximum isometric palmar grip and pinch forces in healthy children between 6 and 19 years old using dynamometry, considering gender, dominance and age. METHODS: 199 subjects were evaluated using Jamar® dynamometer to measure palmar grip strength and Preston Pinch Gauge® dynamometer to evaluate pulp to pulp, lateral and three points pinch strength in a standardization testing protocol. The mean of three consecutive grip tests was recorded. Linear regression with mixed effects was used to statistically analyze the differences between data. RESULTS: Mean values found for palmar grip, pulp to pulp, three points and lateral pinch were 24,51kgf, 3,64kgf, 5,37kgf and 6,78kgf, respectively, regardless of the variables. There was statistical difference in all measures by gender and dominance, and the dominant hand and the males had higher grip forces. It was verified that mean values varied with age, with significant difference in most of comparisons between the age groups. CONCLUSION: We concluded that pinch and palmar grip strength demonstrated significant differences in gender, dominance and in most of age subgroups studied, being important to consider them on dynamometry. This study was relevant as reference of normality of hand strength in children and adolescents.