<p>A surgical instrument (10) includes a plastic hub (12) which is received by a handpiece (30) for operating the instrument (10). The plastic hub (12) includes a wall that encloses a passage that receives a surgical tool carrying member, and at least one detectable coding element (24) is embedded at a selected circumferential position in the wall. For example, the coding element (24) is embedded in a hole disposed in the wall. Alternatively, the coding element (24) is molded into the wall during injection molding of the hub. The coding element (24) is for example, a magnet.</p>
