A reinforcement system (reinforcement mechanism) for an endoscope or similar instrument. The reinforcement system utilizes coated reinforcement members that extend along a portion of the needle section of the arthroscope, but not along the distal optic portion of the arthroscope, providing a reinforced arthroscopic needle. The reinforcement system includes at least one of first and second reinforcement members along the arthroscopic needle, one of the first and second reinforcement members being fluted to enable fluid transport. The reinforcement system may include reusable (re-sterilizable) components or single-use only components.
