Reciprocating arthroscopic shaver

摘要

An arthroscopic shaving device is disclosed which performs cutting by means of reciprocal motion of the cutting blade. The device comprises a long, hollow, tubular housing which houses a cutting member. The housing has an angled portion at its distal end which facilitates access to hard to reach spots such as the rear portion of a knee joint. The cutting member is reciprocated within the distal end of the housing and an aperture having a cutting edge is located within the cutting stroke of the cutting member so that cutting of soft tissue may be achieved at the distal end of the housing. The shaver may be embodied in two main configurations: a side-cutting configuration wherein the cutting aperture is located within the side of the tubular housing, and an end-cutting embodiment wherein the cutting aperture is located at the distal tip of the housing. Adaptations of the side-cutting embodiment include an embodiment wherein cutting is effected in the proximal direction and an embodiment wherein cutting is effected in the distal direction.