The invention relates to a joint biopsy needle (1) for taking tissue samples and to a method therefor. The joint biopsy needle (1) has a trocar tip (2) and a substantially rigid guide sleeve (11), which adjoins a base surface (23) of the trocar tip (2) and has a lateral opening (12) in a region adjacent to the trocar tip (2). The biopsy needle (1) also has a plunger (3), which can be displaced in the guide sleeve (11) in the longitudinal direction thereof and has a cutting blade (31) on a side (30) that faces the trocar tip (2), wherein the tissue which is to be taken in the region of the lateral opening (12) of the guide sleeve (11) and can enter the guide sleeve (11) through the lateral opening (12) can be severed by the cutting blade (31). The guide sleeve (11) is inserted into a handle (6). To this end, the guide sleeve (11) is curved at least in one location between the trocar tip (2) and the handle (6), wherein the displaceable plunger (3) can be displaced by means of a flexible force transmitting element (8) that is guided in the guide sleeve (11). Thus a biopsy needle is obtained which is simple to operate and by means of which tissue samples can be taken effectively even in sampling locations that are inconveniently located and at times difficult to access.
