A convertible threaded compression device connects a bone fragment to an
anchor bone for a healing duration. The compression device has a distal
bone penetration section which is advanced into the bone and a proximal
bone exterior section. The proximal bone exterior section is longer than
the bone penetration section. The bone penetration section includes a
distal bone anchor section which threadingly engages the anchor bone, and
a proximal fragment section which fits within the overbore created by the
bone anchor section. A compression engagement on a distal end of the bone
exterior section provides a compression shoulder. The shoulder makes
substantial contact with an exterior surface of the bone fragment,
biasing the bone fragment toward the anchor bone with a controlled
compression force. The compression engagement enables the device to be
easily removed from the healed fracture without damaging surrounding
tissue.