Importance

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Abstract

A tool for cutting surfaces at repeatable angles relative to the surface being cut is provided. In one embodiment, the tool is used for cutting a bone in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the bone. The tool includes a cylindrical bone cutter having an operable portion located at a proximal end of the cutter for cutting bone. The bone cutter has an internal surface and the internal surface defines an internal bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the cutter from a proximal end to a distal end. A probe, slidably mounted within the bore of the cutter, extends beyond the operable portion of the cutter, and is biased towards the bone surface. An indicator coupled to the probe designates the position of the probe relative to the operable portion of the cutter. When the indicator is maximally displaced away from the proximal end of the cutter, while maintaining the probe and the cutter in contact with the bone surface, the longitudinal axis of the cutter will be substantially perpendicular to the surface of the bone. At this point of maximum displacement, force may be applied to the cutter to make a cut into the bone that is orthogonal to the bone surface. Methods for using the tool are also provided.

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First Claim