Rongeur with detachable crossbar

A rongeur comprising:

• an elongated shank having a distal end and a proximal end;
• an elongated crossbar having a distal end and a proximal end adapted to reciprocate axially with respect to the shank;
• the crossbar having a retracted position wherein the crossbar is partially retracted proximally with respect to the shank and a retracted-release position wherein the crossbar is further retracted proximally with respect to the shank than in the retracted position;
• mating surfaces on the shank and crossbar which are aligned to block disengagement of the crossbar from the shank when it is in the retracted positions and which are out of alignment to allow disengagement of the crossbar from the shank when it is in the retracted-release position;
• a first handle fixedly configured to the shank proximal end and a second handle pivotably attached to the shank proximal end about a pivot axis;
• a slot in an upper portion of the second handle and a pin affixed to the crossbar at its proximal end receivable within the slot whereby pivoting of the second handle about the pivot axis induces axial movement of the pin whereby to reciprocate the crossbar, the engagement between the pin and the slot preventing the crossbar from retracting to the retracting-release position;
• and
• the pin being selectively moveable upwardly sufficiently out of the slot to allow further proximal movement of the crossbar with respect to the shank to the retracted-release position whereby to allow the crossbar to be disengaged and removed from the shank for more effective cleaning and sterilization thereof.