Patent ID: 7604643

Claim:
An adjustable orthopedic tool comprising: 1) a shaft comprising: a) a distal portion comprising a first end comprising a cutting portion configured to drill a hole in bone; b) a proximal portion comprising a second end configured to be coupled to a source of rotational motion; c) an adjustment portion, located between the proximal and distal portions, the adjustment portion comprising external threads located on the shaft; and d) a fastener receiving portion, located between the external threads of the adjustment portion and the distal cutting portion, configured to receive at least a portion of a cannulated fastener thereon; 2) a fastener engaging portion located distally from the threaded adjustment portion and configured to rotationally couple to the cannulated fastener and transmit rotational motion to the cannulated fastener; and 3) an adjustment mechanism mounted on the adjustment portion of the shaft, the adjustment mechanism comprising internal threads adapted to engage the external threads of the adjustment portion of the shaft such that the adjustment mechanism can move along a longitudinal axis of the shaft by being rotated with respect to the adjustment portion of the shaft; wherein movement of the adjustment mechanism along a longitudinal axis of the shaft moves the fastener engaging portion along the longitudinal axis of the shaft and adjusts the distance between the fastener engaging portion and the cutting portion of the shaft; and wherein when a cannulated fastener having a head portion and a tip portion is received on the shaft, the distance between the fastener engaging portion and the cutting portion of the shaft is adjustable to allow the fastener engaging portion to rotationally engage the fastener head while allowing at least a first length of the shaft cutting portion to extend distally beyond the fastener tip.