A device for creating a cavity or a channel in bone. First and second steering cables are coupled to a flexible elbow or a tip of a shaft. A control assembly is operably coupled to the first and second steering cables and configured to tension one of the steering cables and slacken another one of the steering cables so as to flex the flexible elbow. The control assembly may include a steering block axially movable within a handle with a knob threadably coupled to the steering block. The steering block may be rotatably fixed within the handle. The first and second steering cables may be anchored to the steering block, such as to opposite sides of the steering block. The first steering cable may extend along a linear path, and the second steering cable may extend along a curved rib of the handle.

A tool for use with a surgical robotic manipulator that comprises an energy applicator including a shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft has an axial-force receiving surface. A tool assembly comprises a support structure to support the energy applicator, an axial connector assembly arranged to engage and releasably lock the energy applicator to the support structure in a locked state, a drive system coupled to the support structure to rotatably drive the shaft of the energy applicator about the axis, a collet assembly cooperating with the axial connector assembly and configured to apply a force to the axial-force receiving surface of the energy applicator in the locked state, and a reference surface. The force includes an axial component directing the energy applicator proximally into continuous contact with the reference surface in the locked state.

A minimally invasive surgical device includes a main body, a buffer assembly and a cutter bit. The main body includes an inner tube and an outer tube, wherein the inner tube is disposed in the outer tube. An end of the buffer assembly is connected to the inner tube. The cutter bit is connected to another end of the buffer assembly, wherein the cutter bit has a cutting portion. When the cutting portion is in contact with an object, the buffer assembly is adapted to enable the cutter bit to move relatively to the inner tube to decrease a cutting force between the cutting portion and the object, and is adapted to enable the cutting portion to be tilted with a surface of the object.

An interlocking collet system includes an attachment comprising first and second attachment surfaces spaced from one another and a collet. The collet comprises a housing configured to extend along an axis. The housing defines a bore for selectively disposing and retaining the attachment therein in an installed position. First and second locking members are disposed within the bore and are moveable. At least one bias member is disposed within the bore and is arranged to position the first locking member in a first position in which the first locking member is configured to contact the first attachment surface. The at least one bias member is arranged to position the second locking member in a second position in which the second locking member is configured to contact the second attachment surface. The first and second locking members are configured to exert opposing axial forces on the attachment.

Apparatus and methods provided to remove biopsy specimens from bone and/or associated bone marrow. A powered driver may rotate a biopsy needle at an optimum speed to obtain the biopsy specimen. A thread or a groove may be disposed on interior portions of the biopsy needle. The thread or groove may engage a biopsy specimen and enhance removal of a bone marrow core from cancellous bone. Manufacturing procedures are provided for bonding a single helical thread with interior portions of the biopsy needle. The apparatus may also include a biopsy sample ejector and/or ejector funnel. A biopsy needle set may include a cannula and a trocar with respective tips having optimum configurations, dimensions and/or orientations relative to each other to optimize penetration of a bone and/or bone marrow with minimum patient trauma and enhanced reliability of obtaining a biopsy specimen.

One embodiment relates to a handheld surgical instrument that comprises a rotary surgical end effector and a coupler configured to cause rotation of the same. The handheld surgical instrument further comprises a motor, which is configured to drive a motor output region. The handheld surgical instrument further comprises a transmission, which defines a transmission input region that interfaces with the motor output region and a transmission output region coupled to the transmission input region. The transmission output region is operably coupled to the coupler, and the transmission is configured to alter the speed of the coupler relative to the motor output region. The motor output region and the transmission input region interface one another at a motor-transmission interface, and the motor-transmission interface comprises a motor-transmission backlash such that drive of the motor output region within the motor-transmission backlash does not cause rotation of the rotary surgical end effector.

Methods and systems of placing a medical fastener at a predetermined depth in a bone are described. A surgical tool can include an attachment assembly configured to interchangeably engage a medical fastener and a cutting element or bone removal tool and a drive assembly coupled to the attachment assembly. The attachment assembly can be configured to automatically release the medical fastener in response to the drive assembly reaching its end or distal-most position to place the medical fastener at a predetermined depth within the bone.

A surgical instrument including a tool, a handpiece, and a locking member. The handpiece includes both a coupling member configured to cooperate with the tool, and a driver for rotating the tool. The locking member is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position in response to centrifugal force generated during rotation of the locking member. The locking member is configured to secure the tool to the handpiece when in the locked position.

Described herein are examples of orthopedic drill bits and methods of preparing a bone of a living being for fixation. An example method includes coupling a drive attachment of a drill bit to a mounting attachment of a driver, and placing a guide at a desired location on the bone. The guide has an opening corresponding to an area of bone to be removed. The guide provides proper positioning and alignment for drilling a hole. With the guide in place, the method further includes aligning the drill bit with the opening on the guide and drilling a hole in the bone. Once the hole is drilled, the method includes de-coupling the drill bit from the driver, and bending the drill bit at the drive attachment while the drill bit is still in the bone. In some examples, additional method steps follow preparation of the hole.

A surgical instrument including a tool, a handpiece, and a locking member. The handpiece includes both a coupling member configured to cooperate with the tool, and a driver for rotating the tool. The locking member is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position in response to centrifugal force generated during rotation of the locking member. The locking member is configured to secure the tool to the handpiece when in the locked position.