A system and method for the manipulation and insertion of an osteosynthesis clip (100, 200, 300) is provided. The system includes an osteosynthesis clip and an instrument (10). The osteosynthesis clip includes a base (103, 104) having first and second portions, a thickness, and first and second flanges (107, 108) that extend from the base in which the flanges also have a thickness. The instrument of the system includes a distal end (14) and at least a jaw (80), extending from the distal end. The jaw is dimensioned to receive one of the thicknesses of the base and at least one of the flanges. The jaw is movable to a plurality of jaw positions relative to the distal end.