Importance

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Abstract

A surgical instrument includes the combination of a distally, side-supported inner drive shaft carrying on its end an abrading element, a fixed outer tubular member surrounding the inner shaft and providing at a bearing region the distal support for the inner shaft. A distal extension of the tubular supporting member provides a sheath for a portion of the abrading element and a vacuum passage communicating proximally from the region of the abrading element, past the bearing region, to a proximal vacuum connection, whereby during driving of the shaft and drawing of suction through the connection, particles dislodged by the driven, side-supported abrading element may be drawn past the bearing region and out of the instrument. In one embodiment the drive shaft is an inner hollow tube, a chuck member secured to the distal end of the hollow tube is adapted to removably grip and drive the abrading element, and an entry way, distal of the chuck member, provides for entry of particles into the inner hollow tube, the distal portion of the interior of the inner tube communicating with the vacuum connection. A method of arthroscopic surgery employing one embodiment of the instrument to enable self-repair of degenerated joint surfaces is also disclosed.

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First Claim