Gouges

What This Collection Covers

• Hibbs gouges — 9 1/4" (9.25"), straight and curved, 1/4" to 1 1/2"
• Smith-Petersen gouges — 8", straight and curved, 1/4" to 1 1/4", plus 20cm straight and curved
• Stille-style gouges — 8" straight, 8mm to 25mm
• ENT and oral gouges — Killian gouge (16cm, 5mm), Partsch gouge (13.5cm, 3–8mm)
• Spinal and general — lamina gouge (6mm, 23.5cm), straight bone gouges, a 5mm gouge with composite handle

Straight Shaft or Curved Shaft?

Every gouge has a curved blade in cross-section; that is what makes it a gouge. "Straight" and "curved" in these listings describe the shaft. A straight gouge drives in line with the handle, which is predictable and suits open, accessible bone. A curved gouge bends along its length, so the edge can work under a ledge or around a curved surface such as the iliac crest without the handle fighting the anatomy.

How to Choose

Width. Narrow gouges (1/4"–3/8", 3–6mm) for fine shaping and small bones; 1" and up for harvesting graft and removing larger volumes.

Length. 13–16cm for oral, ENT and hand surgery; 20–24cm for spine and pelvis, where reach and a clear mallet line matter.

Pattern. Hibbs gouges are long and heavy for spinal and orthopedic work. Smith-Petersen gouges are the classic hip and general orthopedic pattern.

Mallet. Choose a mallet weighted for the width and bone density.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bone gouge used for?
Scooping and contouring bone, and harvesting cancellous graft, usually driven by a mallet.

What is the difference between a gouge and an osteotome?
An osteotome has a flat blade bevelled on both faces and splits bone. A gouge has a curved, concave blade and scoops it out. See osteotomes and chisels.

Are Hibbs gouges sold as a set?
Each width is listed individually. Send us the widths you want and we will quote them together.

Related categories: osteotomes and chisels, mallets, rongeurs, bone curettes, orthopedic instruments and spine and neurosurgery.