Bending forceps (10) for surgical elements such as bone plates (30) are described. The bending forceps (10) have two branches (12, 14) which can pivot relative to one another and with together two counter bearings (26, 28) for the surgical element to be bent. A bending punch (32) for co-operation with the surgical element is provided in a region between the two counter bearings (26, 28). An actuating movement (40) of the branches (12, 14) is converted into a linear movement of the bending punch (32) in the direction of the surgical element by means of an actuating device (40), for example an elliptical linkage gear mechanism.
