Abstract: A surgical instrument includes the combination of a distally, side-supported inner drive shaft carrying on its end an abrading element, a fixed outer tubular member surrounding the inner shaft and providing at a bearing region the distal support for the inner shaft. A distal extension of the tubular supporting member provides a sheath for a portion of the abrading element and a vacuum passage communicating proximally from the region of the abrading element, past the bearing region, to a proximal vacuum connection, whereby during driving of the shaft and drawing of suction through the connection, particles dislodged by the driven, side-supported abrading element may be drawn past the bearing region and out of the instrument.