Arthroscopic punching system with adjustable angle

Abstract

An adjustable-angle arthroscopic tissue cutting system comprising: a handheld surgical punch device with a proximal grip unit configured to be grasped by one hand of the user; an elongated, tubular shaft unit extending distal to the grip unit and defining a longitudinal axis of the system, the shaft unit having an outer diameter designed for insertion through a standard arthroscopy portal; a distal joint unit connected to a distal end of the shaft unit; a cutting jaw unit supported by the distal joint unit, comprising a fixed lower jaw section and a movable upper jaw section that interact to cut biological tissue;an angle adjustment unit arranged in the handle, which is functionally connected to the distal joint unit via an internal rotary transmission unit extending along the shaft unit, wherein the angle adjustment unit is configured to vary the angular orientation of the cutting jaw unit relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft unit over a continuous angular range; a jaw actuation unit, which is functionally coupled between the handle unit and the movable upper jaw portion and is configured to transmit a linear actuating force from the handle unit to the cutting jaw unit; and a locking unit, which is configured to selectively inhibit the angular movement of the distal joint unit during actuation of the cutting jaw unit, wherein the angular orientation of the cutting jaw unit is adjustable without withdrawing the shaft unit from the arthroscopic portal.

Description

Technical field of the invention The present invention relates generally to minimally invasive surgical instruments and, in particular, to an arthroscopic punching system with an adjustable angle. This system is designed as a reusable, handheld device for cutting, trimming, or excising soft tissue during arthroscopic procedures. The invention specifically aims at structural and mechanical improvements to arthroscopic punching instruments by enabling stepless adjustment of the distal jaw angle using a single integrated device, without the need to remove or replace the instrument during the operation. Background of the invention Arthroscopic procedures typically utilize elongated, hand-held punch instruments inserted through small incisions, usually five to seven millimeters in diameter, to access joint spaces such as the knee, shoulder, elbow, or ankle. Conventional arthroscopic punches have fixed distal jaw angles, most often straight, 45°, or 90°, necessitating repeated instrument changes to access different anatomical regions. This changing prolongs the operating time, disrupts the surgical flow, increases the risk of infection, and causes additional physical trauma to the incisions due to repeated insertion and removal. Furthermore, having multiple fixed-angle punches on hand increases instrument inventory, sterilization requirements, and the overall cost of the procedure. Existing articulated or angled instruments often suffer from drawbacks such as bulky distal heads, complex connecting pieces, or unreliable locking mechanisms, which compromise precision and durability. Furthermore, many known designs require two-handed operation or lack positive tactile feedback during cutting, complicating surgical control. Therefore, there is a need for a mechanically robust, low-profile, one-handed arthroscopy punch instrument that allows for stepless and controllable adjustment of the distal jaw angle while ensuring reliable cutting performance and compatibility with standard arthroscopy portals. Arthroscopy has become a cornerstone of modern minimally invasive orthopedics. It allows for the diagnosis and treatment of joint diseases through small incisions, minimizing trauma, recovery time, and postoperative complications for the patient. Crucial to the success of arthroscopic procedures is the availability of precise, reliable, and ergonomically efficient hand instruments that can be used even under indirect visualization in confined anatomical spaces. Arthroscopic punches are frequently used to cut, trim, and remove soft tissues such as meniscal cartilage, synovial tissue, labral structures, and degenerative deposits. Despite their widespread use and long history of application, conventional arthroscopic punches have some structural and functional limitations that affect the efficiency, adaptability, and overall outcomes of the procedure. Conventional arthroscopic punches are predominantly manufactured with a fixed distal jaw orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the instrument shaft. Common configurations include straight punches, partially angled punches (typically around 45°), and right-angled punches (nearly 90°). Each configuration is optimized for accessing a specific joint area; however, no single fixed-angle instrument can accommodate the full range of anatomical orientations encountered during a typical arthroscopy. Consequently, surgeons often need to change instruments multiple times during an operation to achieve the required angles of access, particularly when working on different compartments of the knee, shoulder, or other complex joints. This repeated instrument change disrupts the surgical flow, prolongs operating time, and increases the risk of contamination and mechanical errors. Another significant disadvantage of fixed-angle arthroscopy punches lies in their impact on portal management and soft tissue trauma. Arthroscopic portals are intentionally kept small, often between five and seven millimeters in diameter, to minimize invasiveness. Repeated insertion and removal of instruments through these portals can lead to cumulative tissue irritation, portal dilation, and postoperative pain. In procedures requiring frequent angle changes, such as anterior and posterior horn meniscectomies or multi-site labral repairs, the use of multiple fixed-angle punches exacerbates these problems. Furthermore, the need for multiple instruments increases the physical strain on surgical staff, complicates instrument tracking, and raises sterilization and inventory management costs. In response to these limitations, various alternative solutions have been proposed in the prior art, including flexible shafts, modular distal tips, and instruments with joints or hinges. Flexible shaft designs attempt to provide angular flexibility by allowing the surgeon to manually bend the instrument shaft before insertion. However, such designs exhibit low repeatability, limited precision, and reduced torsional stiffness. Once bent, the shaft may not retain its shape under load, resulting in unpredictable positioning of the cutting jaws and reduced cutting accuracy. Furthermore, repeated bending can cause material fatigue, increasing the risk of shaft breakage and rendering the instrument unsuitable for repeated sterilization cycles. Modular arthroscopic punches with interchangeable distal tips represent another solution. With these systems, the distal cutting head can be removed and replaced with tips of different angles or profiles. While this approach reduces the total number of full-length instruments required, it does not eliminate the need to withdraw the instrument during the procedure. Changing the tip still requires removing the instrument from the joint, interrupting the procedure, and handling small components in a sterile environment. Furthermore, modular interfaces can create mechanical connections that may loosen over time, compromise structural integrity, or trap biological deposits, thus complicating cleaning and sterilization. To overcome access limitations, arthroscopic instruments with articulated distal sections have also been developed. These instruments typically feature a pivot joint near the distal end of the shaft, allowing the angle of the cutting jaws to be adjusted. However, many established arthroscopic instruments rely on complex connection systems, multiple internal cables, or multi-stage adjustment mechanisms that are difficult to operate with one hand. Some require separate tools or two-handed operation for angle adjustment, making them impractical in the dynamic environment of arthroscopy, where surgeons must simultaneously maintain visualization, instrument positioning, and tissue manipulation. Another persistent drawback of existing arthroscopes is the lack of reliable and secure angle-locking mechanisms. In some instruments, the distal angle is fixed simply by friction or by continuous tension applied via control cables. Such designs are prone to unintended angular deviations during cutting, particularly at higher forces in dense or fibrotic tissue. Uncontrolled angle changes can reduce cutting precision, increase the risk of tissue damage, and undermine the surgeon's confidence in the instrument. Conversely, designs with rigid locking systems often have bulky distal heads or enlarged shaft diameters, rendering them incompatible with standard arthroscopy portals and limiting their clinical applicability. Low profile requirements present an additional technical challenge that many existing solutions fail to adequately address. Arthroscopic procedures necessitate instruments with minimal shaft diameters and compact distal profiles to ensure visualization and maneuverability within the joint. Articulation mechanisms, gears, and locking mechanisms tend to increase the cross-sectional dimensions of the distal end, potentially leading to joint space narrowing and interference with other instruments or the arthroscope itself. In extreme cases, oversized distal heads can obstruct the field of view or restrict access to narrow anatomical recesses, thus negating the intended benefits of articulation. Durability and sterilization compatibility pose additional challenges for the development of adjustable arthroscopic instruments. Many existing solutions involve complex internal mechanisms, sealed cavities, or dissimilar materials that are only partially suitable for repeated steam sterilization. Trapped moisture, deposits, and corrosion within the internal components can lead to mechanical failures, inconsistent performance, and increased maintenance. Instruments that cannot be easily disassembled for cleaning pose particular risks to infection control and regulatory compliance, especially in busy operating rooms. From an ergonomic perspective, conventional arthroscopic punches often require unnatural wrist positions or excessive force to reach anatomically challenging regions. Fixed-angle instruments force surgeons to compensate for suboptimal jaw alignment by rotating or angling the entire instrument and their hand, which can lead to fatigue during longer procedures. Existing movable designs that allow for angle adjustment often lack intuitive operation or clear feedback, increasing cognitive load and the risk of errors. The absence of visual or tactile indicators showing the current jaw angle further limits usability, especially in indirect vision situations. Arthroscopic punches remain indispensable instruments in minimally invasive surgery. However, existing solutions suffer from limitations due to rigid geometries, inefficient workflows, mechanical complexity, and ergonomic shortcomings. Fixed-angle punches require frequent instrument changes, jointed designs often compromise reliability or profile, and modular approaches lack true intraoperative adaptability. These limitations underscore the need for a mechanically robust, low-profile arthroscopic punch system that enables continuous, controlled adjustment of the distal angle through a single integrated device, while also providing one-handed operation, reliable locking, sterilization compatibility, and compatibility with standard arthroscopy portals. The present invention, described in this document, meets these requirements. Summary of the invention The present invention relates to an angle-adjustable arthroscopic punching system comprising a handheld mechanical device, the distal cutting jaw assembly of which is continuously adjustable within an angular range of approximately zero degrees to approximately ninety degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the instrument shaft. The system integrates a thumb-operated rotary mechanism on a proximal handle, an internal, torque-transmitting joint column, and a distal joint head with a pivotable angle adjustment mechanism and locking device. The invention eliminates the need for multiple fixed-angle punching instruments by combining functionality in a single reusable instrument, while simultaneously enabling a slim shaft profile and one-handed operation. The present invention relates to an arthroscopic punching system with an adjustable angle that overcomes the limitations of conventional fixed-angle punching instruments. This is achieved by having a single instrument perform the functions of several punching instruments with different angles. This reduces instrument changes during arthroscopic procedures and improves the overall efficiency of the operation. The invention simplifies the surgical workflow by allowing the surgeon to adjust the orientation of the distal jaw intraoperatively without having to remove the instrument from the joint space. A further objective of the invention is to provide a mechanically robust arthroscopic punching instrument that allows stepless adjustment of the distal jaw angle over a wide angular range, from a nearly straight to a nearly right-angled configuration, thereby ensuring precise and stable positioning of the cutting jaws during tissue intervention and cutting operations. The invention aims to ensure that the selected jaw angle remains securely fixed during use, thus preventing unintended angular movements that could compromise surgical accuracy or patient safety. A further objective of the invention is to provide an arthroscopic punching system with a low-profile shaft and compact distal joint head that is compatible with standard arthroscopy portals with a diameter typically of five to seven millimeters. The invention is intended to preserve visualization within the joint and avoid obstruction of the surgical field, even when the distal jaws are set at more acute angles. A further objective of the invention is to provide a one-handed, ergonomically optimized arthroscopy instrument that enables the surgeon to perform both jaw movement and angle adjustment with one hand, without the need for additional tools or assistance. The invention aims to reduce the surgeon's fatigue and cognitive load through intuitive controls, haptic feedback, and a natural hand position that corresponds to the existing ergonomics of arthroscopy instruments. A further objective of the invention is to provide a reliable and durable internal control mechanism that efficiently transmits rotary and linear movements from the handle to the distal ball joint and cutting jaws with minimal play, kickback, or loss of force. The invention aims to ensure consistent cutting performance over repeated applications and sterilization cycles, thereby extending the instrument's service life and maintaining predictable surgical behavior. A further objective of the invention is to provide an arthroscopic punching system made of surgical materials that is designed for repeated sterilization according to standard hospital protocols, including steam sterilization, without compromising mechanical performance or safety. The invention further aims to enable effective cleaning and maintenance by minimizing enclosed cavities and, if necessary, ensuring the disassembly of critical components. A further objective of the invention is to provide an arthroscopic punching instrument with interchangeable cutting jaw elements. This allows the jaw geometry to be adapted to various surgical indications while simultaneously reducing the long-term costs of instrument replacement. The invention aims to ensure modularity without compromising structural integrity, cutting precision, or sterilization safety. A further objective of the invention is to provide the user with a clear visual or tactile indication of the distal jaw angle, enabling precise and repeatable positioning of the cutting jaws even under the indirect viewing conditions typical of arthroscopy. The invention aims to improve the surgeon's confidence and the consistency of the procedure by making the instrument configuration easily recognizable during use. A further objective of the invention is to provide an arthroscopic punching system that, compared to conventional fixed-angle systems, reduces the overall procedure time, access trauma, and instrument requirements, thereby improving patient outcomes and lowering operating costs for surgical facilities. The invention is intended to integrate seamlessly into existing arthroscopic workflows without requiring extensive training or changes to surgical technique. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE IMAGE These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood if the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which the same symbols represent the same parts: Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a system for arthroscopic tissue cutting with an adjustable angle. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the elements in the drawing are simplified and not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the flowcharts illustrate the process by highlighting the main steps to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure. With regard to the construction of the device, one or more components may be represented in the drawing by conventional symbols. The drawing may show only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to clutter the drawing with details that are already apparent to those skilled in the art from the description contained herein. Detailed description of the invention To facilitate understanding of the principles of the invention, reference is made below to the embodiment shown in the drawing, which is described using specific terms. It is understood, however, that this does not limit the scope of protection of the invention. Rather, modifications and further developments of the depicted system, as well as further applications of the inventive principles shown therein, are conceivable, insofar as they would normally occur to a person skilled in the art in the field of the invention. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not to be understood as a limitation thereof. References to “an aspect”, “another aspect”, or similar phrases in this description mean that a particular feature, structure, or property described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, phrases such as “in one embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar expressions in this description may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. The terms "includes," "comprehensive," or similar expressions denote non-exclusive inclusion. Thus, a procedure or method containing a list of steps does not only include those steps but may also include further steps not explicitly listed or inherent in the procedure or method. Likewise, the statement "includes..." for one or more devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components, without further limitations, does not preclude the existence of other devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings generally known to those skilled in the art in the field to which this invention belongs. The systems, methods, and examples described herein serve only for illustration and are not to be understood as limiting. Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing. Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of an adjustable-angle arthroscopic tissue cutting system. The system 100 comprises: a hand-held surgical punch device (102) with a proximal handle that can be held by one hand; an elongated, tubular shaft (104) extending distally from the handle and defining the longitudinal axis of the system. The shaft has an outer diameter designed for insertion through a standard arthroscopy portal; a distal joint (106) connected to the distal end of the shaft; a cutting jaw (108) supported by the distal joint, consisting of a fixed lower jaw and a movable upper jaw section that work together to cut biological tissue; and an angle adjustment unit (110) located in the handle and connected to the distal joint via an internal rotary drive along the shaft.The angle adjustment unit enables stepless angular adjustment of the cutting jaw relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. It comprises a jaw actuation unit (112) functionally coupled between the handle unit and the movable upper jaw portion, configured to transmit a linear actuating force from the handle unit to the cutting jaw unit; and a locking unit (114) configured to selectively inhibit the angular movement of the distal joint unit during actuation of the cutting jaw unit, allowing the angular orientation of the cutting jaw unit to be adjusted without withdrawing the shaft unit from the arthroscopic portal. In one embodiment, the angle adjustment unit (110) comprises a manually rotatable, thumb-operated adjustment element which is attached to the handle unit and mechanically coupled to the internal rotary transmission unit, such that the rotation of the thumb-operated adjustment element generates a corresponding rotary movement at the distal joint unit. In one embodiment, the internal rotation transmission unit comprises an elongated, rotatable core arranged concentrically within the tubular shaft unit and extending substantially from the handle unit to the distal joint unit. The rotatable core is isolated from the jaw actuation unit to prevent interference between angular adjustment and jaw actuation. In one embodiment, the distal articulation unit (106) comprises a pivot joint that defines a transverse axis of rotation relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft unit, and an angle displacement conversion structure configured to convert the rotary motion received from the internal rotary transmission unit into a controlled pivoting motion of the cutting jaw unit about the transverse axis of rotation. In one embodiment, the angular displacement conversion structure comprises an eccentric cam surface that engages with a pivot arm connected to a housing of the cutting jaw unit, such that the rotation of the cam surface causes a proportional angular displacement of the cutting jaw unit. In one embodiment, the distal articulation unit (106) further comprises a locking unit with at least one spring-loaded engagement element configured to selectively engage with a plurality of angular locking elements of the angular adjustment unit, thereby providing resistance to unintentional angular movements while simultaneously enabling targeted angular adjustment. In one embodiment, the angle locking features correspond to predefined angular positions distributed over the continuous angular range, and the detent locking unit is configured to provide tactile feedback perceptible to the user upon reaching each predefined angular position. In one embodiment, the locking unit (114) comprises a manually operated locking actuator which is arranged on the handle unit and mechanically coupled to the angle adjustment unit to prevent rotation of the internal rotary transmission unit when the locking actuator is in the locked state. In one embodiment, the locking unit (114) is configured such that the angle adjustment of the cutting jaw unit is deactivated when the jaw actuation unit actively transmits force to close the cutting jaw unit. In one embodiment, the jaw actuation unit (112) comprises a release unit pivotably mounted on the handle and a force transmission element extending through the shaft unit. The force transmission element is configured to convert the movement of the release unit into a linear displacement of the movable upper jaw section. The system is designed as a handheld arthroscopic punching instrument that can be operated entirely with one hand. The proximal handle unit serves as the primary control interface and houses both an interface for angle adjustment and an interface for actuating the cutting jaws. The handle unit is mechanically connected to an elongated, tubular shaft unit that defines the system's longitudinal axis and establishes a rigid connection between the handle unit and a distal joint unit. The shaft unit encloses several independent internal transmission paths, including a rotary transmission path for angular positioning of the distal cutting jaws and a linear force transmission path for opening and closing the jaws. This mechanically decouples angle adjustment and jaw actuation. The angle is adjusted by rotating a thumb-operated control on the handle. The rotation is directly transmitted to an internal rotary mechanism, which consists, for example, of an elongated rotating core arranged concentrically within the shaft. This rotating core extends from the handle to the distal joint and is held by internal bearings or guide surfaces that limit rotation and simultaneously prevent axial displacement. When the rotating core is turned, the rotational energy is transmitted without loss through the shaft to the distal joint. At the distal joint unit, the rotational movement of the rotating core is converted into an angular displacement of the cutting jaw unit by means of a motion conversion structure. In an operating configuration, this motion conversion structure comprises an eccentric cam surface that is rigidly connected to the rotating core and engages with a pivot arm, which in turn is connected to a housing of the cutting jaw unit. The rotation of the cam and its changing radial profile exert controlled displacement forces on the pivot arm, causing the jaw housing to rotate about a transverse axis relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft unit. This conversion process enables stepless and proportional angular adjustment of the cutting jaw unit as a direct mechanical function of the rotation applied to the handle. To ensure positional stability and repeatability, the angle adjustment mechanism is equipped with a detent function. Once the cutting jaw unit reaches predefined angular positions, a spring-loaded engagement element in the distal joint is pressed into the corresponding angle locking elements on the cam surface or an associated retaining ring. The engagement of the detent function creates noticeable resistance at the handle, signaling that a commonly used angular position has been reached. Simultaneously, it allows for stepless adjustment with additional rotational force. This detent function operates passively and repeatedly across the entire angular range without requiring any separate user intervention. The system also includes a locking sequence that is selectively activated to prevent unintentional angular movements during tissue cutting. Actuating a locking actuator on the handle mechanically blocks the angle adjustment unit by preventing the rotation of the internal rotary drive. This can be achieved either by directly blocking the thumb-operated adjustment element or by fixing the rotating core itself. In the locked position, the locking unit ensures that angular displacement forces generated when closing the jaws or due to tissue resistance do not affect the angle adjustment mechanism. This maintains the selected jaw orientation throughout the entire cutting process. The cutting jaws are actuated by a separate, but coordinated, mechanical control system. Actuating a trigger pivotally mounted on the handle transmits a linear force via an actuating element that extends through the shaft unit. This actuating element can be a rigid pushrod or a flexible, elongated element that compensates for angular changes at the distal joint without blockage or loss of force. The linear movement of the actuating element causes the movable upper part of the cutting jaws to rotate towards the fixed lower part, thus closing the jaws around the target tissue. The control system ensures the mechanical independence of jaw movement and angle adjustment. Angle adjustment can be made before jaw movement, after jaw release, or at any time with the locking mechanism disengaged. When the locking mechanism is engaged, the system prioritizes jaw stability by preventing any angular displacement, regardless of the forces transmitted via the jaw movement transmission element. This approach ensures predictable cutting behavior and prevents unintentional alignment of the cutting jaws during fabric cutting. After releasing the trigger unit, the actuating element of the cutting jaws returns to its starting position under the influence of a preload element, thus reopening the cutting jaws. As soon as the locking unit is released, the system switches back to angle adjustment mode, allowing the user to repeat the angle adjustment as often as necessary without having to remove the shaft unit from the arthroscopic portal. Throughout operation, the system maintains a constant external shaft profile regardless of angular orientation, thanks to internal joint and motion transmission structures. The angular displacement control mechanism is therefore implemented entirely within the distal joint unit, ensuring portal compatibility and visualization at all angular positions. If present, an angle display unit mechanically coupled to the angle adjustment unit converts the internal angular position into a visible external display, allowing the user to verify jaw orientation without relying solely on the arthroscope's visual feedback. The described system utilizes a purely mechanical control technology that deterministically regulates angle adjustment, angle fixation, locking, and jaw movement through coordinated structural interactions. The technology requires neither electrical components nor sensors or software control, but instead relies on precise mechanical coupling and force transmission to ensure continuous, stable, and reproducible positioning of the distal jaw in the arthroscopic environment. The arthroscopic punching system with adjustable angle is a mechanical device consisting of a handle, an elongated tube shaft, an internal control linkage, a ball joint, and a cutting jaw assembly. The handle forms the proximal part of the device and is ergonomically shaped as a pistol grip or straight handle for one-handed operation. The textured outer surface of the handle improves grip in humid operating room conditions and houses a trigger mechanism that is operated with the index finger to release the cutting jaws. At the top of the handle is a rotary knob that allows stepless angle adjustment of the distal joint head. The knob is mechanically connected to an internal rotating core running through the shaft, ensuring that the user's rotational movement is transmitted distally without axial displacement. An integrated locking or safety mechanism in the handle selectively prevents the knob from rotating during jaw movement, thus preventing accidental angle changes while cutting tissue. Distal to the handle extends a hollow, tubular shaft with an outer diameter of approximately four to five millimeters, ensuring compatibility with standard arthroscopy portals. The shaft encloses a rotating core and a separate push-pull control linkage, which can be a rigid rod or flexible cable and actuates the jaws. The shaft length is selected to be within the range suitable for arthroscopic procedures (typically between 200 and 260 millimeters) while simultaneously providing sufficient torsional stiffness for the timely transmission of rotational forces. The distal end of the shank is formed into a ball joint, which, acting as a pivot joint, allows the angular movement of the cutting jaw assembly relative to the shank axis. The ball joint features a cam- or gear-based angle adjustment mechanism driven by the rotation of the inner core. In one embodiment, the rotating core engages an eccentric cam surface, which displaces a short pivot arm connected to the jaw housing, thus continuously changing the angular orientation of the cutting jaw assembly. The ball joint is also equipped with a spring-loaded detent mechanism, such as a ball-and-slot connection, which provides clear tactile feedback and secure positioning in common angular increments, while simultaneously allowing stepless adjustment between the detents. The cutting jaw assembly consists of a fixed lower jaw and a movable upper jaw, both made of hardened surgical stainless steel, such as precipitation-hardened steel grade 174, to ensure high cutting and wear resistance. The jaw surfaces may feature micro-serrations to enhance tissue gripping and cutting performance. The jaws are configured to open to a width of approximately six to eight millimeters, allowing effective grasping of meniscus, labrum, or other soft tissues encountered during arthroscopic procedures. In certain configurations, the jaw tips are designed as interchangeable components that can be secured by a snap-lock mechanism or mechanical retention device. This allows for customization of the jaw profiles and reduces long-term maintenance costs. The angle of the distal jaw assembly is adjusted during operation by turning the thumbwheel located on the handle. The rotational movement applied to the thumbwheel is transmitted via the inner rotary core, which extends along the shaft, to the ball joint. In the ball joint, the rotary core engages a cam surface or gear segment, which converts the rotational movement into a controlled angular displacement of the jaw housing around a rotational axis. The angular displacement can be continuously adjusted from a linear alignment along the shaft axis to a near-perpendicular alignment of approximately 90 degrees. A spring-loaded locking mechanism engages in corresponding recesses or grooves on the cam or gear, providing noticeable resistance at predefined angular positions. Simultaneously, it allows for stepless adjustment with sufficient torque. A manual locking mechanism, operated via a button or slider on the handle, blocks the rotation of the thumbwheel by mechanically isolating the rotating core, thus securing the selected jaw angle during the cutting process. The jaws are actuated independently of the angle adjustment by pressing the trigger located on the handle. The trigger movement is transmitted via the push-pull linkage to the movable upper jaw, causing it to pivot towards the stationary lower jaw and perform the cutting action. The linkage is designed to minimize mechanical play and provide the user with consistent tactile feedback. The handle and shaft components of the angle-adjustable arthroscopic punching system are preferably manufactured from surgical-grade stainless steel, such as 3S16L stainless steel, or titanium alloys to reduce weight while maintaining stability. Internal cam components, detents, and bearings can be made of stainless steel or ceramic to minimize wear. Manufacturing processes include precision CNC machining, electrical discharge machining (EDM) for jaw shaping, and surface finishing techniques such as electropolishing or diamond-like carbon coating to improve corrosion resistance and cleanability. The device is designed for complete autoclaving using standard steam sterilization methods and is constructed to avoid sealed electronic components or enclosed cavities that would hinder cleaning. The connection between the handle and shaft can be a bayonet or threaded coupling to allow disassembly for thorough cleaning and maintenance. By integrating stepless distal angle adjustment into a single hand instrument, the angle-adjustable arthroscopic punching system significantly reduces the need for instrument changes during surgery. This saves operating time and minimizes tissue trauma at the portal sites. The low-profile shaft ensures compatibility with existing surgical workflows, while the positive-locking locking mechanisms guarantee precision and safety during cutting. The invention offers a mechanically robust and cost-effective alternative to multiple fixed-angle punching instruments while maintaining familiar ergonomics and tactile feedback for the surgeon. The drawing and the preceding description illustrate embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more of the described elements can be combined to form a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements can be divided into several functional elements. Elements of one embodiment can be added to another. For example, the process flows described here can be modified and are not limited to the manner described herein. Furthermore, the actions of a flowchart need not be performed in the sequence shown; nor do all actions necessarily need to be carried out. Actions that do not depend on other actions can be performed in parallel with the other actions. The scope of protection of the embodiments is in no way limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly stated in the description or not, such as...Differences in structure, dimensions, and materials are possible. The scope of protection of the embodiments is at least as comprehensive as described by the following claims. The advantages, other benefits, and problem solutions have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, the advantages, benefits, problem solutions, and any components that can effect or enhance an advantage, benefit, or solution are not to be construed as critical, necessary, or essential features or components of the claims. REFERENCES 100 An arthroscopic tissue cutting system with adjustable angle. 102 Hand-held surgical punch unit. 104 Elongated tubular shaft unit. 106 Distal joint unit. 108 Cutting jaw unit. 110 Angle adjustment unit. 112 Jaw actuation unit. 114 Locking unit.

Claims

An adjustable-angle arthroscopic tissue cutting system comprising: a handheld surgical punch device with a proximal grip unit configured to be grasped by one hand of the user; an elongated, tubular shaft unit extending distal to the grip unit and defining a longitudinal axis of the system, the shaft unit having an outer diameter designed for insertion through a standard arthroscopy portal; a distal joint unit connected to a distal end of the shaft unit; a cutting jaw unit supported by the distal joint unit, comprising a fixed lower jaw section and a movable upper jaw section that interact to cut biological tissue;an angle adjustment unit arranged in the handle, which is functionally connected to the distal joint unit via an internal rotary transmission unit extending along the shaft unit, wherein the angle adjustment unit is configured to vary the angular orientation of the cutting jaw unit relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft unit over a continuous angular range; a jaw actuation unit, which is functionally coupled between the handle unit and the movable upper jaw portion and is configured to transmit a linear actuating force from the handle unit to the cutting jaw unit; and a locking unit, which is configured to selectively inhibit the angular movement of the distal joint unit during actuation of the cutting jaw unit, wherein the angular orientation of the cutting jaw unit is adjustable without withdrawing the shaft unit from the arthroscopic portal. System according to claim 1, wherein the angle adjustment unit comprises a manually rotatable, thumb-operated adjustment element attached to the handle unit and mechanically coupled to the internal rotary transmission unit, such that the rotation of the thumb-operated adjustment element generates a corresponding rotary movement at the distal joint unit. System according to claim 1, wherein the internal rotation transmission unit comprises an elongated rotatable core arranged concentrically within the tubular shaft unit and extending substantially from the handle unit to the distal joint unit, wherein the rotatable core is isolated from the jaw actuation unit to prevent interference between angle adjustment and jaw actuation. System according to claim 1, wherein the distal joint unit comprises a rotary joint defining a transverse axis of rotation relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft unit, and an angle displacement conversion structure configured to convert the rotary motion received from the internal rotary transmission unit into a controlled pivoting motion of the cutting jaw unit about the transverse axis of rotation. System according to claim 4, wherein the angle displacement conversion structure comprises an eccentric cam surface connected to a pivot arm connected to a housing of the cutting jaw unit, such that the rotation of the cam surface causes a proportional angular displacement of the cutting jaw unit. System according to claim 1, wherein the distal joint unit further comprises a locking unit having at least one spring-loaded engagement element configured to selectively engage with a plurality of angle locking elements of the angle adjustment unit, thereby providing resistance to unintentional angular movements while simultaneously enabling targeted angle adjustment. System according to claim 6, wherein the angle locking features correspond to predefined angular positions distributed over the continuous angular range, and wherein the locking unit is configured to provide tactile feedback perceptible to the user upon reaching each predefined angular position. System according to claim 1, wherein the locking unit comprises a manually operable locking actuator arranged on the handle unit and mechanically coupled to the angle adjustment unit to prevent rotation of the internal rotary transmission unit when the locking actuator is in the locked state. System according to claim 8, wherein the locking unit is configured such that the angle adjustment of the cutting jaw unit is deactivated when the jaw actuation unit actively transmits force to close the cutting jaw unit. System according to claim 1, wherein the jaw actuation unit comprises a release unit pivotably mounted on the handle and a force transmission element extending through the shaft unit, wherein the force transmission element is configured to convert the movement of the release unit into a linear displacement of the movable upper jaw section.

Images