TOOL WITH BIOABSORBABLE MATERIAL FOR INTRAOPERATIVE USE

1 - 20 . (canceled)

21 . A surgical system for performing a surgical procedure comprising:

a machining tool having a first contact surface having a first hardness; and

a stationary tool having a second contact surface at least partially formed of a magnesium alloy, the second contact surface being biocompatible and bioabsorbable and having a second hardness,

wherein the first hardness is greater than the second hardness.

22 . The surgical system of claim 21 , wherein the first contact surface has a toughness that is greater than a toughness of the second contact surface.

23 . The surgical system of claim 21 , wherein the stationary tool is entirely formed of magnesium alloy.

24 . The surgical system of claim 21 , wherein the second contact surface comprises a magnesium alloy coating.

25 . The surgical system of claim 21 , wherein the machining tool is selected from the group consisting of a bur, a drill bit, an end mill, and a saw.

26 . The surgical system of claim 21 , wherein the stationary tool is selected from the group consisting of a retractor, a jig, a fixture, and a cutting guide.

27 . The surgical system of claim 21 , wherein the magnesium alloy has a dissolution rate of between approximately 0.01 grams per square centimeter per day and approximately 0.12 grams per square centimeter per day.

28 . The surgical system of claim 27 , wherein the magnesium alloy has a dissolution rate of between approximately 0.05 grams per square centimeter per day and approximately 0.07 grams per square centimeter per day.

29 . A surgical system for performing a surgical procedure comprising:

a machining tool having a first contact surface having a first hardness;

a stationary tool; and

an insert configured to be coupled to the stationary tool, the insert having a second contact surface at least partially formed of a magnesium alloy, the second contact surface being biocompatible and bioabsorbable and having a second hardness,

wherein the first hardness is greater than the second hardness.

30 . The surgical system of claim 29 , wherein the first contact surface has a toughness that is greater than a toughness of the second contact surface.

31 . The surgical system of claim 29 , wherein the insert is entirely formed of magnesium alloy.

32 . The surgical system of claim 29 , wherein the second contact surface comprises a magnesium alloy coating.

33 . The surgical system of claim 29 , wherein the machining tool is selected from the group consisting of a bur, a drill bit, an end mill, and a saw.

34 . The surgical system of claim 29 , wherein the stationary tool is selected from the group consisting of a retractor, a jig, a fixture, and a cutting guide.

35 . The surgical system of claim 29 , wherein the magnesium alloy has a dissolution rate of between approximately 0.01 grams per square centimeter per day and approximately 0.12 grams per square centimeter per day.

36 . The surgical system of claim 35 , wherein the magnesium alloy has a dissolution rate between approximately 0.05 grams per square centimeter per day and approximately 0.07 grams per square centimeter per day.

37 . A method of performing orthopedic surgery comprising the steps of:

creating an incision in a patient at a surgical site to at least partially expose a bone of the patient,

positioning a stationary tool in the surgical site, the stationary tool having a biocompatible and bioabsorbable first contact surface at least partially formed of magnesium alloy, the first contact surface having a first hardness; and

contacting the bone with a machining tool, the machining tool having a second contact surface having a second hardness greater than the first hardness.

38 . The method of claim 37 , wherein the first contact surface has a toughness that is less than a toughness of the second contact surface.

39 . The method of claim 37 , wherein the magnesium alloy has a dissolution rate between approximately 0.01 grams per square centimeter per day and approximately 0.12 grams per square centimeter per day.

40 . The method of claim 39 , wherein the magnesium alloy has a dissolution rate of between approximately 0.05 grams per square centimeter per day and approximately 0.07 grams per square centimeter per day.