A medical needle shield apparatus (10) is described comprising a needle (12) having a distal end (14) including a distal portion angled with respect to a more proximal portion. The distal portion and the more proximal portion have different longitudinal axes. A shield (22) is extensible from a retracted position to an extended position to enclose the distal end of the needle, which includes a proximal end mounted to a hub (28). The shield comprises an outer bearing (26) having a sidewall defining a first interior space about a first longitudinal axis, an inner bearing (24) having a sidewall defining a second interior space about the first longitudinal axis. The needle is disposed in the second interior space and is movable along the first longitudinal axis. The inner bearing is disposed in the first interior space and movable therein along the first longitudinal axis. A wedging portion (52) is movable with the inner bearing for wedging against the distal portion of the needle to secure the distal end of the needle within the second interior space in the extended position. A tether (44A,44B) has a proximal end connected to the hub and a distal end connected to the inner bearing for preventing separation of the shield from the needle in the extended position.
