Engaging predetermined radial preloads in securing an orthopedic fastener

A method for engaging predetermined radial preloads in securing an orthopedic fastener into a corresponding bone specimen, the method comprising the steps of:

• (A) selecting and preparing the corresponding bone specimen to have (1) an overall outer thickness from near cortex to far cortex, and (2) a predetermined bone hole preparation including a tapered female threaded section, threads on the tapered female threaded section having a pre-selected thread profile;
• (B) providing a fastener, the fastener comprising a male tapered threaded portion, threads on the male tapered threaded portion configured to mate, according to the pre-selected thread profile, with corresponding threads on the tapered female threaded section, the pre-selected thread profile having a predetermined thread geometry, the thread geometry pre-calibrated such that a measured tightening of the male tapered threaded portion into the tapered female threaded section will result in a corresponding desired radial preload on bone tissue surrounding the tapered female threaded section;
• (C) fully engaging the male tapered threaded portion on the fastener into the tapered female threaded section on the bone hole preparation;
• and
• (D) further tightening the fastener a measured amount so that the fastener imparts a corresponding desired radial preload on bone tissue surrounding the tapered female threaded section.

A method for engaging predetermined radial preloads in securing an orthopedic fastener into a corresponding bone specimen, the method comprising the steps of:

• (A) selecting and preparing the corresponding bone specimen to have (1) an overall outer thickness from near cortex to far cortex, and (2) a predetermined bone hole preparation including a tapered female threaded section extending continuously through the near cortex and into the far cortex, threads on the tapered female threaded section having a pre-selected thread profile;
• (B) providing a fastener, the fastener comprising a male tapered threaded portion, threads on the male tapered threaded portion configured to mate, according to the pre-selected thread profile, with corresponding threads on the tapered female threaded section, the pre-selected thread profile having a predetermined thread geometry, the thread geometry pre-calibrated such that a measured tightening of the male tapered threaded portion into the tapered female threaded section will result in a corresponding desired radial preload on bone tissue surrounding the tapered female threaded section;
• (C) fully engaging the male tapered threaded portion on the fastener into the tapered female threaded section on the bone hole preparation;
• and
• (D) further tightening the fastener a measured amount so that the fastener imparts a corresponding desired radial preload on bone tissue surrounding the tapered female threaded section.