An orthopedic cast removal apparatus comprises a housing having a portion that can be gripped by an operator during use. A motor is located inside the housing. A blade is operatively connected to and driven by the motor via a drive mechanism, the blade defining a cutting edge having cutting teeth located thereon. The drive mechanism according to this aspect has a driven element with an axis of rotation substantially parallel to a surface of an orthopedic cast when it is cut. The blade is connected to the driven element at a connection point that moves periodically around the axis of rotation. As a result, the cutting edge of the blade engages material of the orthopedic cast in a galloping fashion.
