Arthroscopic devices and methods

A cutting device for cutting tissue in a joint of a patient, the cutting device comprising:

• an inner sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial extraction channel therein that extends through the inner sleeve for connecting to a negative pressure source;
• a ceramic cutting member disposed at the distal end of the inner sleeve for rotation with the inner sleeve, the ceramic cutting member including a window formed therein that communicates with the axial extraction channel, the ceramic cutting member including at least a first burr cutting edge formed thereon for cutting tissue when rotated or oscillated against tissue, wherein a distal end of the window extends distally of a proximal end of the first burr cutting edge in an axial direction along the ceramic cutting member, and wherein a proximal end of the window extends proximally of the proximal end of the first burr cutting edge in the axial direction along the ceramic cutting member;
• and
• a motor drive operatively connected to the proximal end of the inner sleeve for rotating the inner sleeve at a speed of at least 3,000 rpm.

A cutting device for cutting tissue in a joint of a patient, the cutting device comprising:

• an inner sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial extraction channel therein that extends through the inner sleeve for connecting to a negative pressure source;
• a ceramic cutting member disposed at the distal end of the inner sleeve for rotation with the inner sleeve, the ceramic cutting member including a window formed therein that communicates with the axial extraction channel, the ceramic cutting member including at least a first burr cutting edge formed thereon for cutting tissue when rotated or oscillated against tissue, wherein the first burr cutting edge extends at least partially alongside the window in an axial direction along the ceramic cutting member;
• and
• a motor drive operatively connected to the proximal end of the inner sleeve for rotating the inner sleeve at a speed of at least 3,000 rpm.