A rongeur has a frame and a reciprocating member slidably associated with the frame. A blade is disposed on the distal end of the reciprocating member. The frame has a handle that is coupled with the reciprocating member for slideable movement of the reciprocating member. In this fashion, the blade is moved into a cutting position against a footplate formed in the distal end of the frame. A flexure is associated with the handle which allows the handle to be flexed. To reduce the potential for breakage of the footplate, a stop mechanism is provided for preventing further movement of the reciprocating member when the flexure is flexed.