an external bridging / non - bridging bone fixation device including at least a first member and a second member . the first member is implanted substantially permanently on an arm bone during an entire healing process . whereas the second member is adapted to be substantially temporarily implanted and affixed between the first member and a metacarpal of the associated hand . the second member may be a singular rigid piece or may be formed of several modular pieces affixed together . in particular , the second member may be hinged to allow for an offset or angled implantation . also , the second member may include a plurality of pieces that are rigidly held together after implantation to allow for high selectivity by a physician . the bridging / non - bridging bone fixation device allows for a bridging adaptation during an initial portion of healing and a non - bridging adaptation during the extended healing process to reduce the possibility of stiffness and plaques due to prolonged periods of immobility .