An orthopedic fastener rated to be received into a corresponding bone specimen. The corresponding bone specimen has (1) an overall outer thickness from near cortex to far cortex in a predetermined rated range of outer bone thicknesses, and (2) a predetermined bone hole preparation including an entry portion in the near cortex. The entry portion has a predetermined minimum entry diameter. The fastener provides a tapered portion. When the fastener is operably secured into the far cortex of a bone thickness for which it is rated to be received, the tapered portion of the fastener contacts the entry portion in the near cortex so as to impart no more than about 0.2 mm of radial preload into the bone surrounding the entry portion.
