A bone staple and integral insertion device that provides biocompatibility, increased strength, and cost effectiveness is disclosed. Once the bone staple is inserted the desired depth into the bone, the arms of the insertion device are spread apart thereby applying the desired amount of compression to the bone staple. The insertion device can then be broken free from the bone staple, and removed from the patient. In this manner, the amount of compression between the broken ends of the bone can be regulated directly by the surgeon during implantation of the bone staple.