Abstract: A convertible rongeur is shown, with a top shaft that opens from the front, to allow access for cleaning, yet remains attached to the body of the device even when fully opened. In the preferred embodiment, the top shaft of the rongeur is held in positive engagement with the front handle piece of the rongeur by means of a spring loaded, retractable slot and pin linkage, and the permanent attachment between the top shaft and the remainder of the instrument is through a movable linkage at the rear. The rongeur is thus fully openable for cleaning, yet remains in one piece when opened for cleaning, and retains all of the advantages of permanently assembled prior art rongeurs.