Introduction:

Man has acted on bone fractures of the limbs since ancient times, confirming immobilization (reduction-stability) as the basic way of treating the condition, which is presented with the triad of trauma, pain and functional impotence.

Objective:

The objective of this paper was to organize the presentation of the changes occurred with technological innovations, integrated in the treatment of fractures.

Methods:

A literature review on fractures is presented here. Articles published in journals indexed by CITMA, books by well-known authors, personal notes of events and surgical activities were reviewed, in order to analyze the selected variables and their historical links with the different stages that marked the new conceptions and modifications, arisen in the use of this type of osteosynthesis we call generations. Variables selected for analysis were fracture reduction, access route for plate placement, surgical procedure, new implant designs, instrumentation, implant metallurgy, and healing consolidation. Constitutive elements of the osteosynthesis surgical procedure:

By relating the results obtained and the dates of their implementation, with historical moments and the inclusion of relevant technological innovations, we come to recognize three stages or "generations" and their influence explains the advances in the current conceptions of this approach. First generation: classic, early 20th century. Second generation: compression, post-World War II. Third generation: current, functional, and biological.

Conclusions:

By relating the results obtained and the dates of their implementation, with historical moments and the inclusion of relevant technological innovations, we come to recognize three stages or "generations" whose influence explains the advances in the current conceptions of this procedure. First generation or classic: at the beginning of the 20th century. Second generation: compression, post-World War II. Third generation: current, functional and biological.

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