abstract a surgical tool can comprise an end effector, a shaft, a joint joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft, and a translatable drive member which can at least partially extend through the joint joint. the drive member can be resiliently flexible or bendable to accommodate the articulation of the end effector. the drive member can comprise a body including a plurality of articulation joints defined therein. the articulation joints can be intrinsic to the drive member body and can form an array or lattice of articulation joints. the drive member can also comprise a drive thread extending around the body. the drive thread can be configured to outwardly constrain the portions of the body when the drive member is articulated. the drive member can also comprise a flexible inner core extending therethrough which can be configured to inwardly constrain the articulated body portions. "flexible drive member" is a surgical tool which may comprise an end actuator, a stem, a pivot joint that rotatably connects the end actuator to the stem, and a drive member that can perform translational movement, which can extend at least partially through the hinged joint. the drive member may be resiliently flexible or foldable to accommodate the end actuator pivot. the drive member may comprise a structure including a plurality of hinged joints defined therein. the hinged joints may be intrinsic to the drive member structure and may form a hinged joint matrix or reticle. the drive member may also comprise a drive thread that extends around the frame. The drive thread can be configured to externally restrict body portions when the drive member is pivoted. the drive member may also comprise a flexible inner core extending therethrough which may be configured to internally constrain the articulated frame portions.abstract a surgical tool can comprise an end effector, a shaft, an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft, and a translatable driv
