Abstract: The invention relates to an expandable tubular element for a fluid-inflatable cylinder, comprising a peripheral wall that is fluid-tight and formed by a plurality of panels connected in pairs by substantially rectilinear links each representing a pivot axis, the panels being more rigid than the links, so that two panels adjacent to a link can rotate about the pivot axis represented by this link, each end of a link being connected to at least two ends of other links so as to define a node, each node having a thickness greater than the minimum thickness of the adjacent links. The invention also relates to a method for producing such an expandable tubular element, as well as a fluid-inflatable cylinder comprising such an expandable tubular element.