A surgical instrument includes a single articulating tip to apply energy to tissue within a body. The articulating tip travels in a semi-arc around an insulated hinge in such a way that the tip can articulate up or down less than 90 degrees from a central axis. In particular, the articulating range is between 70 degrees upward to about 20 degrees downward for a total range of movement of about 90 degrees. Other ranges of angles such as +60 degrees to −30 degrees are contemplated as well.
