Abstract: A drill and drill cover and autogenous bone collector using the same are provided. The autogenous bone collector comprises s shaft unit connected to a driving device and a cutting unit which revolves and collects bone paticles of a patient. The cross-sectional area of the cutting unit is from 10% to 40% of an area of an imaginary circle having a radius corresponding to a distance from the center of the cutting unit to the outermost end portion of the cutting unit.

Abstract: A surgical drill for providing holes at an angle for use in repair and replacement of the ACL is disclosed, generally comprising a drill guide having a head that is angularly adjustable with respect to a body, a flexible guide pin and a flexible drill. The adjustable head of the drill guide allows a surgeon to drill a hole in the femur at an angle to a tunnel provided in the tibia. Because the surgeon can access the femur via the hole in the tibia, the surgical drill of the present invention obviates the need for a second hole in the tissue and also makes placement of femur hole more precise for securement of the ligament or tendon graft within the hole.

Abstract: A surgical drill for providing holes at an angle for use in repair and replacement of the ACL is disclosed, generally comprising a drill guide having a head that is angularly adjustable with respect to a body, a flexible guide pin and a flexible drill. The adjustable head of the drill guide allows a surgeon to drill a hole in the femur at an angle to a tunnel provided in the tibia. Because the surgeon can access the femur via the hole in the tibia, the surgical drill of the present invention obviates the need for a second hole in the tissue and also makes placement of femur hole more precise for securement of the ligament or tendon graft within the hole.

Abstract: A minimally-invasive bone graft harvesting device, kit, and method are provided. The device includes a hollow cutting element and an extraction element. The hollow cutting element may define a longitudinal axis and includes a distal end, a proximal end adapted to be coupled to a powered or manual-operated rotary tool, and an inner lumen extending longitudinally between the distal and proximal ends. The hollow cutting element may also include one or more blades protruding from an outer surface of the cutting element. Each blade may be arranged adjacent to an opening extending between the outer surface and the inner lumen to allow cancellous bone material cut by each blade during use to pass through the opening into the inner lumen. The extraction element may be removably received within the inner lumen of the hollow cutting element to allow withdrawal of the bone material in the inner lumen.

Abstract: A cutting tool is provided with a cutting surface on a first side of the cutting tool and an attachment member on a second side of the cutting tool. The cutting surface can have cutting edges with characteristics that vary along the cutting tool. Novel methods of manufacturing such cutting tools are also provided.

Abstract: A Lisfranc injury between a second metatarsal and medial cuneiform is repaired by gaining access to the injury site and placing two arm members of a novel drill guide around the two neighboring bones at the injury site, drilling a guide wire through the two bones guided by the drill guide to a desired depth, measuring the depth of the guide wire to determine the proper length for a bone screw for securing the two bones, drilling a cannulated drill bit into the two bones to a drill depth using the guide wire as a guide, and threading a bone screw into the two bones.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods may be adapted for grafting tissue at a tissue site that may include an elongate housing and a plurality of elongate cutting members. The plurality of elongate cutting members may define a cutting surface at a distal end of the elongate housing. The cutting surface may be adapted to contract from a first diameter to a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. The contraction of the cutting surface from the first diameter to the second diameter may define a tapered profile between the first diameter and the second diameter suitable for obtaining a tapered graft.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a surgical tool associated with a virtual haptic interaction point such that movement of the virtual haptic interaction point corresponds to movement of the surgical tool. The surgical system further includes a processing circuit to establish a virtual entry boundary and activate a haptic object, which constrains the surgical tool after the haptic interaction point crosses the virtual entry boundary.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of protecting modular implant connection portions are provided. A guard includes an outer sidewall and an inner sidewall defining a cavity that covers a modular implant connection portion. The modular implant connection covered with the guard can facilitate test-fitting of other modular implant components and allows reaming of the tissue around the guard.

Abstract: The present invention provides a linear slide indicator used in connection with a medical device to indicate radial expansion or linear translation of a component within the device. The medical instrument includes a shaft, a handle, an end effector and a linear slide indicator. The shaft extends along a shaft axis and is configured to travel linearly along the shaft axis. The handle is configured to be attached to a proximal end of the shaft and to rotate around the shaft axis. The end effector is configured to be attached to a distal end of the shaft and to travel linearly with the shaft along the shaft axis via the rotational motion of the handle. The linear slide indicator is configured to indicate a magnified value of an actual traveled linear distance of the end effector.

Abstract: A drill system for forming a curved tunnel in a bone includes a drill bit guidance device. The drill bit guidance device includes an elongated stationary outer tube extending along a first axis and an elongated inner tube. The elongated inner tube is configured to slidably move within the elongated stationary outer tube along the first axis and to exit from a distal end of the elongated outer tube. The elongated inner tube has a partially slotted distal end portion including a plurality of semi-cross-sectional slots extending perpendicular to the first axis. Each slot is configured to collapse inward in the slot direction when exiting the distal end of the elongated outer tube, thereby curving the distal end portion of the elongated inner tube.

Abstract: A piece of mechanized surgical equipment is provided, which includes an instrument holder having an element for receiving and retaining a surgical instrument for mechanized use. Also provided is a surgical instrument for mechanized use and configured to be mounted on the instrument holder. The element for receiving and retaining is mobile between an unlocking position, in which the element enables insertion of the instrument into the instrument holder or withdrawal thereof, and a locking position, in which the element prevents the withdrawal of the instrument from the instrument holder. Furthermore, the equipment includes a case in which an active blade of the instrument can be removably housed, the case having an engaging element for engaging with the receiving and retaining element so as to cause the element to move from the unlocking position to the locking position, or vice versa.

Abstract: A method and system for guiding a drill or nail to intersect both bone and an aperture in an implanted implant. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a vector is defined interconnecting a path of a tool or cross-implant and the bone and implanted implant. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the vector is defined using a light source and two sensors or a light source and a sensor which is on an opposite side of said bone from said source.

Abstract: A graduated guide pin for selecting a screw for connecting a fractured bone is formed by a pin-like main body 11 of a radiotransparent metal and ring-like members 12 of a radioopaque metal. The ring-like members are arranged on an outer surface of the main body such that successive members are separated from each other by a distance equal to that of the ring-like members. On an X-ray image, by counting the number of dark portions corresponding to the ring-like members, a length of the fractured bone is measured, and a screw 20 having a suitable length is selected.

Abstract: A cannulated retrograde reamer that is adjustable to create tunnels of multiple different diameters. The cannulated retrograde reamer substantially reduces the risk of tunnel malposition and/or misalignment, and can be adjusted to create a range of tunnel diameters, thereby allowing inventory levels to be reduced for a surgical case.

Abstract: A reaming device comprising a shaft with a mounting portion, the mounting portion having an outer surface; a carbon fiber layer located on the mounting portion outer surface; an injection molded interface element for mechanical coupling of an external device molded on the carbon fiber layer, the interface element having a mounting portion; wherein the carbon fiber layer extends over the outer surface of the shaft mounting portion and having an outer surface, wherein the carbon fiber layer outer surface has a non-smooth surface structure; wherein the injection molded interface element mounting portion is injection molded over the carbon fiber layer surface structure The method according to claim 12, further comprising preparing of shaft mounting portion before wrapping a carbon fiber layer for establishing a reliable connection between the shaft and the carbon fiber layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for integrating an electromagnetic navigation system and a tool and aligning the tool with a target are presented, including a sensor tool, a tool, a field generator, a display, and a computer. The sensor tool attaches to a target component in a unique position relative to target features. The field generator is fixed relative to the tool except in rotation about a tool axis. The display is adjustably mounted to the tool and automatically adjusts image parameters. Target registration and error compensation methods are provided. The system detects magnetic field and signal disturbances that may lead to inaccurate navigation, filters navigation data, and adjusts filtering parameters based on detected conditions. Apparatus for proximally locking an IM nail such that a clear passage through the cannulation of the nail is maintained are provided.

Abstract: A guide for use prior to, or concurrently with, resecting a portion of a patient's bone includes a body, an anterior adjustment member, at least one posterior adjustment foot, at least one adjustable condylar alignment pin, an adjustable anterior arm, and means to direct guide pins into the femur. The body has multiple apertures configured to accept pins. The anterior adjustment member is coupled to the body and moves toward/away from the femur and contacts an anterior portion of the femur. The posterior adjustment foot is coupled to the body and moves toward/away from the femur and contacts a posterior portion of the femur. The anterior arm is coupled to the anterior adjustment member and is configured to contact the femur proximal of the anterior adjustment member. The rotation arm is coupled to the body and provides guides to drill into the femur.

Abstract: A method for treating a cartilage defect can include identifying an area of excessive boney growth on at least one of a femoral head and a femoral neck of a patient where the excessive boney growth area is covered with articular cartilage. A portion of the articular cartilage can be harvested from the identified area of excessive boney growth and an area of cartilage damage in an acetabulum of the patient can be identified. The harvested portion of the articular cartilage can be implanted into the identified area of cartilage damage in the acetabulum.

Abstract: Improved instruments for modifying a shape of a proximal femur of a patient for installation of a stem of a femoral component of a prosthetic hip during hip replacement surgery, comprising a handle including an elongated shaft extending downward approximately in a z-direction, a first offset extending from a bottom of the elongated shaft approximately in a y-direction, a second offset extending from the second offset approximately in an x-direction, and a shaping member elongated downward from the second offset approximately in the z-direction. Provided is an improved femoral broach and an improved osteotome. Also provided is a method of improving a patient's positioning during hip replacement surgery by using a variable configuration mattress for positioning the patient.

Abstract: A medical or surgical handpiece for driving a medical tool comprises a housing, a drive train accommodated therein and a motor. The motor includes a first drive shaft and a second shaft, the second shaft being at least partially arranged in the first drive shaft and mounted to rotate freely relative to the first drive shaft via at least one bearing, so that the second shaft is rotatable independently of the first shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for penetrating bone marrow is provided. The apparatus may include a housing such as a handheld body, a penetrator assembly, a connector that releasably attaches the penetrator assembly to a drill shaft, a gear mechanism, a motor and a power supply and associated circuitry operable to power the motor. The penetrator assembly may include a removable inner trocar and an outer penetrator or needle. It may also include a grooved trocar that allows bone chips to be expelled as the apparatus is inserted into bone marrow. Various connectors are provided to attach the penetrator assembly to the drill shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for spine surgery employ a guide wire temporarily anchored to a contralateral side of an intervertebral disc. The guide wire establishes a reliable pathway for passage and actuation of cannulated instruments or implants through a small working channel leading to an ipsilateral side of the disc. The guide wire may be disconnected and removed from the disc after use.

Abstract: An assembly for use in cutting a bone during a surgical procedure comprises a cutting tool and a guide block. The cutting tool includes a blade and a drive unit for imparting a cutting motion to the blade. The guide block can be positioned against the bone and has a reference surface for guiding the blade during the cutting step, the guide block having a screen surface which provides a point of reference to indicate proper alignment of the blade. The cutting tool includes means for directing a collimated beam of light in a direction parallel to the blade, on to the screen surface on the guide block when the blade is in contact with the guide surface, the distance between the blade axis and the light beam being equal to the distance between the reference surface and the point of reference on the screen surface.

Abstract: A prosthetic hip installation system comprising a reamer, an impactor, a tracking element, and a remote system. The tracking element can be integrated into the reamer or impactor for providing tracking data on the position or orientation. Alternatively, the tracking element can be housed in a separate module that can be coupled to either the reamer or impactor. The tracking element will couple to a predetermined location. Points in 3D space can be registered to provide a frame of reference for the tracking element or when the tracking element is moved from tool to tool. The tracking element sends data from the reamer or impactor wirelessly. The remote system receives the tracking data and can further process the data. A display on the remote system can support placement and orientation of the tool to aid in the installation of the prosthetic component.

Abstract: The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize a new apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra or a channel submerged within the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra. In more particular embodiments such apparatuses and methods including forming an arcuate channel and which channel can receive therein a curved rod or implant member, which also preferably is arcuate, and avoids the associated problems with prior cage or straight rod and screw systems. Also featured are systems, apparatuses and methods for repairing, replacing or augmenting the nucleus and/or annulus of a disc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for penetrating the bone marrow is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a penetrator assembly, operable to penetrate the bone marrow, a connector operable to releasably attach the penetrator assembly to a drill shaft, the drill shaft operable to connect the penetrator assembly to a gear assembly, a gear assembly operable to engage and rotate the drill shaft, a motor operable to engage the reduction gear assembly and drive the penetrator into the bone marrow by rotation of the drill shaft, and a power supply and associated circuitry operable to power the motor. The apparatus and method may be adapted to insert a probe through the skull and into the brain.

Abstract: A system (10) for preparing a long bone for a prosthetic, the long bone having a long axis comprises a distal instrument (12) and a proximal instrument (14). The distal instrument (12) is configured to remove bone from a distal portion of bone. The distal instrument (12) has a bone removing portion (16) configured to remove bone along the long axis of the long bone and a shaft (18) extending from the bone removing portion (16) along the long axis of the long bone. The proximal instrument (14) is configured to overlie the shaft (18) of the distal element (12) within the long bone. The distal shaft (18) guides the proximal instrument (14) to prepare the proximal portion of the long bone after the distal instrument (12) has prepared the distal portion of the long bone.

Abstract: A surgical reamer for cutting an opening in a facet joint for placement of a dowel between the sides of the facet joint to immobilize the joint and create a fusion. The reamer is used with a set of surgical instruments to prepare facet joints for insertion of dowels. The reamer creates a bone shelf above the opening for the dowel to prevent migration of the dowel. The reamer is configured with a flat profile in one plane to allow insertion into the facet joint and the profile of the dowel in the perpendicular plane to create a shape corresponding to the dowel when rotated. The neck of the reamer is smaller in diameter at the coronal end to allow creation of a bone shelf in the facet above the opening for the dowel. The bone shelf resists migration of the dowel out of the prepared opening in the facet.

Abstract: A drill bit has a cylindrical proximal end coupled to a driving device with a central axis of rotation about which the proximal end rotates. A distal portion of the drill bit is a cutting device attached to the proximal end in such a way that it extends outside the periphery of the proximal end for a distance less than the entirety of the circumference of the proximal end. A guide wire extends through a passageway in the bit and is provided to create a pilot hole before the distal portion enlarges that hole. With this configuration of the cutting device, it is possible to position the cutting device in the distal portion in a direction facing away from the medial femoral condyle so that the proximal end of the drill bit can slide past the medial femoral condyle, with its axis of rotation much closer to that condyle than would be the case in prior art drill bits.

Abstract: Methods for correcting a deformity in the spine by forming a trans-sacral axial instrumentation/fusion axial bore through vertebral bodies in general alignment with a visualized, anterior axial instrumentation/fusion line in a minimally invasive, low trauma, manner and providing a therapy to the spine employing the axial bore. Curved or relatively straight anterior axial bores are formed from the anterior starting positions. The therapies performed through the axial bores include discoscopy, full and partial discectomy, vertebroplasty, balloon-assisted vertebroplasty, drug delivery, electrical stimulation and various forms of spinal disc cavity augmentation, spinal disc replacement, fusion of spinal motion segments and implantation of radioactive seeds. Axial spinal implants and bone growth materials can be placed into single or multiple parallel or diverging axial bores to fuse two or more vertebrae, or distract or shock absorb two or more vertebrae.

Abstract: Described is an arthroscopic bone transplanting procedure for transplanting a section of a first bone to a second bone. The described procedure is particularly useful for the treatment an anterior shoulder instability, where the first bone is the coracoid and the second bone is the glenoid. Also described is a kit of medical instruments particularly useful in such a procedure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for repairing a cartilage defect including: preparing a cartilage defect by removing unwanted or damaged tissue; creating at least one perforation into or through subchondral bone, below and/or adjacent to the cartilage defect to induce the flow of bone fluid; allowing the bone fluid to bleed through the at least one perforation up into the cartilage defect to fill at least a portion of the cartilage defect; and applying a biomaterial into the defect to produce a clot for cartilage regeneration.

Abstract: A drill sleeve includes a lower end that engages a bone being drilled with a drill bit of a drill during an orthopedic procedure, an upper end that is movable with respect to the lower end, and a fluid damper between the upper and lower ends for resisting movement of the upper end with respect to the lower end and which may reduce a distance at which a drill bit can plunge through a back side of the bone by increasing resistance to drill movement at occurrence of plunge through the back of the bone. The drill sleeve may include measurement scale and a lock that prevents relative motion of the upper and lower ends after the bone has been drilled for evaluating a position of a depth indicator with respect to the measurement scale that corresponds to a depth of the bore in the bone.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc reamer includes a flexible shaft having a shaft channel, and a reamer head attached to the flexible shaft and movable relative to the flexible shaft. The reamer head has a reamer channel. The shaft channel and the reamer channel are aligned to define a continuous guide wire channel for the disc reamer. The disc reamer addresses the quality of disc removal and endplate preparation, minimizes the trauma of surgery, minimizes blood loss, and markedly reduces surgical time.

Abstract: A number of improvements are provided relating to computer aided surgery utilizing an on tool tracking system. The various improvements relate generally to both the methods used during computer aided surgery and the devices used during such procedures. Other improvements relate to the structure of the tools used during a procedure and how the tools can be controlled using the OTT device. Still other improvements relate to methods of providing feedback during a procedure to improve either the efficiency or quality, or both, for a procedure including the rate of and type of data processed depending upon a CAS mode.

Abstract: A hip replacement method in which includes making an anterior incision and a lateral incision proximate the hip joint. The method next includes preparing a femoral passage directed along an axis of the femoral neck of the femur. An acetabulum reamer coupled to a femoral elongate element installed in the femoral passage is used to ream the acetabulum. The femoral head is prepared using a tool coupled to a femoral elongate element installed in the femoral passage. An acetabular prosthesis is then installed using a femoral elongate element installed in the femoral passage. A femoral prosthesis is installed using a femoral elongate element installed in the femoral passage. All of the foregoing steps are performed without dislocating the hip joint.

Abstract: A surgical kit for preparing a joint surface to receive an implant includes a patient-specific guide for a joint surface. The patient-specific guide has a patient-specific surface complementary to a surface of the joint for nesting engagement, and a guiding element oriented along a patient-specific alignment axis. The alignment axis is determined during a preoperative plan of the specific patient for implant alignment. The kit includes a guiding tool couplable to the guiding element of the patient-specific guide and a three-dimensional orientation device removably couplable the guiding tool for intra-operative calibration, such that, after calibration, the orientation device can be removably coupled to a shaft of a surgical instrument to align the shaft along the alignment axis.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for removing an implanted glenoid component from the glenoid of a patient includes a protective cannula and a flexible wire saw. The flexible wire saw is positioned in the protective cannula such that both ends of the flexible wire saw extend out of one end of the protective cannula, with a portion of the middle section of the wire saw forming a loop that extends out of the other end of the protective cannula. Surgical methods for the use of such a surgical instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular reaming system for reaming a plurality of pockets in an anatomical feature extends along a longitudinal axis. The system includes a first reamer in a first position on the longitudinal axis, and the first reamer reams a first pocket in the anatomical feature. The system further includes a second reamer that is removably coupled to the first reamer in a second position on the longitudinal axis. The second reamer reams a second pocket in the anatomical feature. The second reamer is keyed against rotation relative to the first reamer to ream the first and second pockets substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A cutting tool for bone, cartilage, and disk removal includes a body with a first radial array of helical flutes formed along the body with a continuous radius in a first helical direction. The body has a second radial array of helical flutes formed along the body with a continuous radius in a second helical direction opposed to the first helical direction and intersecting the first array of helical flutes. Each helical flute forms a pair of spaced apart rake surfaces, which collectively perform a first and second cutting operations along a side of the body such that the intersecting rakes balance the cutting operation thereby minimizing axial loading of the cutting tool to permit bidirectional cutting while minimizing inadvertent axial translation of the tool.

Abstract: Embodiments of a bony structure tap with a plurality of landmarks. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A system (10) for preparing a long bone for a prosthetic, the long bone having a long axis comprises a distal instrument (12) and a proximal instrument (14). The distal instrument (12) is configured to remove bone from a distal portion of bone. The distal instrument (12) has a bone removing portion (16) configured to remove bone along the long axis of the long bone and a shaft (18) extending from the bone removing portion (16) along the long axis of the long bone. The proximal instrument (14) is configured to overlie the shaft (18) of the distal element (12) within the long bone. The distal shaft (18) guides the proximal instrument (14) to prepare the proximal portion of the long bone after the distal instrument (12) has prepared the distal portion of the long bone.

Abstract: A cutting burr that includes a pair of axially spaced diamond-shaped portions designed to be keyed into a spindle of a locking mechanism of a high speed surgical drilling instrument and adapted to fit into a single pawl thereof to lock said cutting burr in place so as to prevent axial movement thereof and provide concentric rotation of said cutting burr without any wobbling. The orientation of both portions may be identical with respect to a center plan and diamond shape in the portion at the proximal end of the shank of the cutting tool may be larger than the intermediately located diamond shape of the other portion. The apexes of the facets of the six-sided diamond shape may be disposed below the surface of the shank of the cutting burr.

Abstract: A method of creating a penetration with reduced sidewall compaction in a surface of a bone or articular joint. The method includes the steps of positioning a surgical instrument in contact with the surface, applying a longitudinal force to the surgical instrument causing the surgical instrument to penetrate the surface thereby creating a penetration with at least one sidewall, and retracting the surgical instrument and strategically scraping a portion of the surgical instrument against a portion of the at least one sidewall to remove compacted material from the penetration, thereby creating a small surgically created wound in the surface having reduced compaction at the margins to promote rapid vascular penetration, cellular migration, and faster healing with an enhanced histologically confirmed maturing tissue. The surgical defect can be round or slit-like.

Abstract: An improved system for treatment of herniated disks is described. Access to a disk is obtained by drilling through a pedicle of an adjacent vertebra, and then curving the passage to pass through the vertebral body into the intervertebral space. The disk is then removed, augmented or repaired from within the internal part of the intervertebral space. Trauma is greatly reduced by this procedure.

Abstract: A kit for reaming a portion of a cavity for use in implanting a prosthesis. The kit includes a distal reamer for reaming a distal portion of the long bone and a proximal reamer for reaming a proximal portion of the long bone. The kit further includes a pilot shaft for insertion into a reamed distal portion and attachment to the proximal reamer during the reaming of the proximal portion. At least one of the distal reamer, proximal reamer, and pilot shaft is expandable, such that at least one of the distal reamer, proximal reamer, and pilot shaft includes a body having a plurality of slots, a plurality of cutting edges extending through the slots, and an actuator rod including a gear for engaging the plurality of cutting edges such that when the actuator rod is turned in one direction, the plurality of cutting edges expands outwardly through the slots.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for formation of microconduits in tissue, particularly using an impedance sensing drill to form microconduits. One embodiment of the invention is an impedance sensing drill comprising a drilling assembly, a control module, mechanically connected to the drilling assembly for controlling the depth of drilling by the drilling assembly; and a sensor, electrically connected to the drilling assembly and control module for detecting a change in an electrical impedance of a material being drilled. Another embodiment is a method of forming a microconduit in a material, which comprises the steps of drilling into the material, monitoring an electrical impedance of the material, and stopping the drilling into the material when a change in the impedance is detected, thereby forming microconduit.

Abstract: A rotatable surgical instrument having a protective hood with articulating bendable distal end is provided to improve and enable various orthopedic surgical procedures such as arthroscopy. The protective hood surrounds the surgical tool bit exposing only a portion of the tool bit for removing bone or soft tissue material and protects the nerve from the surgical tool bit. The protective hood can be controllably rotated from the instrument's hand piece to control the orientation of the attack angle of the surgical tool bit. Additionally, the bending of the distal end of the instrument can be controlled from the hand piece.

Abstract: A rotatable surgical burr (100, 200, 300, 500) having a protective hood (120, 220, 320, 520, 620, 720) with a dissecting foot plate (119, 219, 319, 519, 619, 719) is provided to improve and enable various spinal decompression procedures. The surgical burr's protective hood has a dissecting foot plate that may be shaped to resemble a curette, a Woodson, or other appropriate dissecting tools to allow insertion of the tool between the spinal nerve and the compressing bone. The protective hood surrounds the burr bit (130, 230, 530) exposing only a portion of the burr bit for burring of the offending bone and protects the nerve from the burr tip. The instrument may also be configured with a soft tissue resecting tip (330) for soft tissue resection.