A fixation device may be used for supporting and/or stretching an injured body part. An exemplary fixation device uses a thumb wheel control element to provide controlled rotational micromovements of a joint. The control element and its associated drive system allow for movement along a particular axis, while the position remains fixed with relation to the other axis. In addition, the fixation device may incorporate a drive system that introduces a simultaneous longitudinal translation with rotation, in order to provide for a common point of origin of rotation between the fixation device and the affected body part supported by the fixation device.