We present our experience with metal clampingbands with tightening-screw mechanisms as temporary intraoperative aids for fracture reduction and the application of fixation implants.There has been great interest in the use of nylon tie-bands, whether as temporary reduction aids (Schmidt and Davis 1981) or as permanent fixtures (Jones 1986, Tountas et al. 1990). However, one of the major disadvantages of a nylon band is that once it is locked in place, relocation requires that it be cut and a new one applied, since it cannot be released and retied.Our technique requires the use of commercially available hose-to-pipe metal clamping-bands. These stainless steel clamping bands are readily available in a wide range of sizes. The band particularly suitable for femur or humerus fracture reduction is 180 mm long, 12 mm wide, and 0.5-0.6 mm thick, with a usable diameter of 22-48 mm ( Figure 1). The tightening-screw mechanism is attached to one end of the band while the other end inserts into it, thus forming a ring. The screw engages oblique slots on the band. Each clockwise turn of the screw engages one additional slot, thus tightening the grip and decreasing the inner diameter of the band. Counterclockwise turns disengage the screw from the slots until the band is released.The only modification we needed on the commercially available bands for surgical purposes was to make a wrench that could be securely coupled to the band or removed once the fracture was reduced and the band satisfactorily fixed in place. In addition, a band passer (Figure 2) served as a convenient tool for wrapping the band around the bone. The band, wrench, and passer can be sterilized by steam or gas autoclave.We use these clamping bands as a fracture reduction/fixation aid for spiral or long-oblique Figure 1. Commercial metal clamping bands of various sizes.Figure 2. Metal band with detachable wrench, open band and band passer.