Cannulated drill bit with radially offset cutting edge

A tubular drill bit for performance of orthopedic surgery and having a circumference, comprising:

• a) a proximal end adapted to be coupled to means for rotating said bit, said proximal end having an axis of rotation and a periphery;
• b) said proximal end having a distal termination to which is attached a distal cutting portion, said distal cutting portion including a first circumferential region extending partially about said circumference and having a plurality of distally facing cutting edges comprising flutes and a second circumferential region with at least one cutting edge located between two of said flutes and extending partially about said circumference, there being no circumferential overlap between said first and second regions;
• c) said cutting edges in said first region not extending beyond the periphery of said proximal end;
• d) at least one of said at least one cutting edge in said second region extending radially outwardly beyond said periphery;
• e) said second region extending less than an entirety of a circumference of said bit;
• and
• f) a passageway aligned with said axis of rotation and sized to receive a guide wire therethrough.