A device providing rigid immobilization through external skeletal fixation by means of rods (f.'s) attached to pins which are placed in or through the bone. ... (05 Mar 2000) ... 
Type: Term Pronunciation: fik-sā′tŏr Definitions: 1. A device providing rigid immobilization through external skeletal fixation by means of rods (f.'s) attached to pins that are placed in or through the bone.
Latin fixus = fixed, hence, a muscle which fixes a part.
a device incorporating a metal bar and pins that is used in stabilizing difficult bone fractures.