Abstract: Forceps of the alligator jaw type, that can be held by a surgeon in a reversed backhand grip while observing the movable jaw during microlumbar discectomy, comprise three linkage devices for resisting twisting forces that tend to separate the sliding arms during removal of gristle. These devices are a slide slot within the rigid arm member in combination with a butt portion of the slideable arm member, a pivot slot within the slideable arm member in combination with a lug portion of the pivotable handle member, and a pin portion of the locking pin member in combination with aligned holes in the slideable arm member and pivotable arm member. The third device simultaneously keeps the forceps in assembled relationship; yet its removal instantly permits disassembly thereof. These three devices are combined within a very compact part of the instrument.