The aim of the study was to test the biomechanical effectiveness of the radiolucent fixator “X-caliber”. For this reason, care was taken to include a heterogeneous group of leg fractures capable of treatment with external fixation. A multi-centre study was organized to taste the biomechanical effectiveness of the radiolucent synthesis device. Our centre was equipped with this external fix-ator, which is preassembled and completely radiolucent.

The fixator is manufactured from a carbon fibre composite, with stainless steel cams and locking nuts, and aluminium alloy bushes.

The fixator types comprise standard fixators, fixators with a periarticular ring attachment, and fixators with a swivel clamp for ankles. Between December 2000 and May 2002 the authors tasted the biomechanical effectiveness of the new fixators in 13 patients with leg fractures. After a follow up of 6 months, analysing the results of other centres the authors retook the utilization of the radiolucent fixator and, in this paper, relate their total experience until April 2004 in 42 patients with leg fractures.

The aim of the study was review all the type B and Type C according with A.O. classification tibial plateau fractures from January 1995 to August 2004 with a minimum follow up of six months. It has been selected all the patients treated with closed surgery. In the treatment of type B fractures we used cannulated screws, sometimes with external fixator. In the treatment of type C fractures we used external fixator. As a result of the technical improvements, in the recent years, external fixation has become a surgical technique not only for the treatment of open fractures but also for the management of comminuted fractures with percutaneous synthesis, since there is no need to open the fracture site. In our recently experience we have used a hybrid fixator which is single-use, pre-assembled and radiolucent.