Compression bone staple, apparatus and method

A compression staple for fastening a first bone segment to a second bone segment, said staple comprised of a resilient material and having a generally U-shaped configuration, and comprising:

• a) first and second spaced-apart longitudinally extending legs with sharp free ends and proximal ends;
• b) a bridge portion interconnecting the proximal ends of said legs;
• and wherein said legs have a convergent orientation, one to the other, and said legs are adapted to be resiliently held in a parallel orientation wherein said legs are urged towards their initial convergent orientation with a predetermined force.

A bone staple applicator for a generally U-shaped staple having a first and a second spaced apart legs with sharp free ends and proximal ends interconnected by a bridge portion, and an initial configuration where said legs are convergently oriented, and said staple capable of a tensioned configuration in which said legs are held in parallel relationship, said staple applicator including:

• a) an elongate body with a front end and a rear end, and including:
• i) means on said body front end for supporting said staple against rearward and lateral movement with the sharp ends of its legs forwardly disposed, and adapted for engaging opposing portions said legs and moving said legs into parallel relationship.