Fracture fixation can be realized internally or externally, with both methods aiming to stabilize the injury, enable fast healing and allow the patient to return to full function as early as possible. External fixation is indicated primarily for temporary fracture fixation after trauma, but is also used for deformity correction, limb lengthening, defect treatment, and other cases in which minimal soft tissue damage is desired. A major benefit of external fixation is the ability to stabilize a fracture without the need for open reduction or invasive surgery at the fracture site, which are often undesirable in trauma scenarios.

As compared to internal fixation methods, external fixation allows for the avoidance of infected areas, minimization of soft tissue damage, and flexibility in choosing points to place wires and half-pins. External fixation constructs are also adjustable postoperatively, which is especially beneficial for indications such as limb lengthening and deformity correction.