An apparatus for reducing the profile of a bone fixation plate (101) while preventing backing out of screws (103, 105) is disclosed. The plate (101) has at least two openings (111, 113) through which two screws (103, 105) can pass through bony tissue. The apparatus includes at least one section of relief and sections of engagement. As the screw (103) is tightened, it will begin to lag the plate (101) to the bone. When the screw head (401) interferes with the plate (101) at the interference point, there is a slight resistance that insertion forces can overcome. When the screw (103) is advanced further, it snaps into the sliding fit area and is allowed to move freely. The forces that cause the screw (103) to back out from the plate (101) are preferably not strong enough to pass the screw head (401) back past the interference section. At least one of the two openings (103, 105) is configured as an elongated slot (1708) to allow the screw (103) to translate in the slot. It may be desirable to include a set screw to help prevent backout.