A discectomy tool comprises a cannula having an outer surface having a longitudinal bore therein, a proximal end and a distal end, and a steering wire disposed in the longitudinal bore. A flexible, hollow transmission shaft is disposed in the cannula, the shaft having a throughbore, a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and an outer surface having a thread extending therefrom. An irrigation source is fluidly connected to the throughbore and a cutting tip is attached to the distal end portion of the transmission shaft.
