An orthopedic fixation device comprising a bearing and a retaining portion. The bearing defines a bearing internal bore and has a rounded exterior surface, an upper surface, an intermediate surface, and a lower surface, and at least one slot in the bearing extending from the exterior surface to the internal bore. The retaining portion defines a recess shaped to accept the exterior surface of the bearing therein such that in a steady state of the bearing, the bearing can move within the recess, and, when at least one force is imparted against one of the upper and lower surfaces of the bearing, the bearing deforms outwardly to fix the bearing in place within the recess.
