An orthopedic fastener rated to be received into a corresponding bone specimen. The corresponding bone specimen has a predetermined bone hole preparation including a tapered female threaded section. Threads on the tapered female threaded section have a pre-selected thread profile. The fastener itself comprises a male tapered threaded portion. Threads on the male tapered threaded portion are rated to mate, according to the pre-selected thread profile, with corresponding threads on the tapered female threaded section. The pre-selected thread profile has a predetermined thread geometry. The thread geometry is predetermined so that, when the male tapered threaded portion on the fastener is fully engaged in the tapered female threaded section on the bone hole preparation, a predetermined further tightening of the fastener imparts a corresponding predetermined radial preload on bone tissue surrounding the tapered female threaded section.
