A torque wrench (1) is embodied as a ratchet instrument in the medical field. A catch segment (40) which can be displaced in a defined manner is arranged on the periphery of the receiving opening, and the front part thereof is oriented towards the receiving opening. When the torque wrench (1) is actuated in a forward direction, the torque which is to be generated is applied by a forward force (F) exerted by an user, by a deflectable, preferably linear-elastic flexible arm (7). A catch spring extends from the catch segment into the neck area. The catch segment and the catch spring form a single-pieced or several part catch (4). The catch segment and the catch spring are arranged in a channel-shaped space (5). The catch (4) is a single-piece with the neck part or is fixed thereto as a separate component.