Cutting devices and methods
Cutting devices useful for cutting objects or materials are described. Examples of cutting devices useful for creating avulsions in animals, such as human beings, are described. A cutting device includes an elongate main body having proximal and distal ends. A first portion of the main body has a cross-sectional shape that substantially lacks flat surfaces and a second portion of the main body has a cross-sectional shape having one, two or more flat surfaces. The distal end defines a hook having one or more sharpened edges disposed within the notch of the hook. Methods of making cutting devices are also described.
1. A cutting device, comprising:
an elongate main body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lengthwise axis, the elongate main body defining a first axial portion including the proximal end and extending along a first axial length of the elongate main body, a second axial portion including the distal end and extending along a second, different axial length of the elongate main body, and a pre-defined curve disposed proximal to the distal end;
the first axial portion having a first, substantially circular cross-sectional shape;
the second axial portion having a second cross-sectional shape that is different than the first cross-sectional shape and that defines at least one flat or substantially flat surface;
the distal end defining a hook comprising first and second opposing arms and a sharpened edge disposed on one of the first and second arms
wherein the pre-defined curve is contained within a first plane and the hook is contained within a second, different plane.
2. The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the second cross-sectional shape is rectangular or substantially rectangular.
3. The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the hook has a third axial length; and
wherein the third axial length is less than the second axial length.
4. The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second arms define a hook angle; and
wherein the hook angle is an angle between about 30° and about 70°.
5. The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second arms define a hook angle; and
wherein the hook angle is an angle between about 40° and about 60°.
6. The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second arms define a hook angle; and
wherein the hook angle is an angle between about 40° and about 50°.
7. The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the pre-defined curve has a radius of curvature that is between about 25% and about 500% of the second axial length.
8. The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the pre-defined curve has a radius of curvature that is between about 50% and about 400% of the second axial length.
9. The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the pre-defined curve has a radius of curvature that is between about 75% and about 300% of the second axial length.
10. The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the pre-defined curve has a radius of curvature that is between about 100% and about 200% of the second axial length.
11. The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the pre-defined curve has a radius of curvature that is about 200% of the second axial length.
12. The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the second plane is disposed perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first plane.
13. The cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the hook is defined by a bend in the elongate main body;
wherein the first arm extends from the bend toward the first axial portion; and
wherein the sharpened edge is disposed on the first arm.
14. The cutting device of claim 13 , wherein the sharpened edge extends from the bend toward the first axial portion.
15. A cutting device, comprising:
an elongate main body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lengthwise axis, the elongate main body defining a first axial portion including the proximal end and extending along a first axial length of the elongate main body, a second axial portion including the distal end and extending along a second, different axial length of the elongate main body, and a pre-defined curve disposed proximal to the distal end;
the first axial portion having a first, substantially circular cross-sectional shape;
the second axial portion having a second cross-sectional shape that defines at least one flat or substantially flat surface;
the distal end defining a hook comprising first and second opposing arms, a first sharpened edge disposed on one of the first and second arms, and a second sharpened edge on one of the first and second arms;
wherein the pre-defined curve is contained within a first plane and the hook is contained within a second, different plane.
16. The cutting device of claim 15 , wherein the hook is defined by a bend in the elongate main body;
wherein the first arm extends from the bend toward the first axial portion;
wherein the second arm extends from the bend to a terminal surface of the elongate main body; and
wherein the first sharpened edge is disposed on the first arm and the second sharpened edge is disposed on the second arm.
17. The cutting device of claim 16 , wherein first sharpened edge extends from the bend toward the first axial portion.
18. The cutting device of claim 15 , wherein the second plane is disposed perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first plane.