Orthopaedic fixation devices are used during reconstructive surgery to treat fractures of bones and soft tissue injuries normally caused by trauma. Intramedullary devices, such as femoral nails, are used to provide stability and maintain the alignment of bone fragments during the healing process. Quantification of important characteristics, such as bending strength or stiffness, can provide surgeons insight into implant performance, while allowing researchers to compare device materials and designs. It's also important to determine the fatigue life of the implant over a specific time period or range of maximum loading.

Normally following ASTM standards, fixtures are often unique to the objective and application of the tests and results.