System Can Also Be Used For Mini-Open And Open Surgeries ANDOVER, Mass., May 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Nephew's (NYSE: SNN)(LSE:SN) Endoscopy Division today announced the launch of the BICEPTOR Tenodesis (TEEN-oh-DEE-sis) System to treat injuries to the biceps tendon in the shoulder. Smith & Nephew Endoscopy's BICEPTOR Tenodesis System is the first that enables surgeons to re-attach the biceps tendon to the humerus, or upper arm bone, using an all-arthroscopic technique. Other biceps tenodesis techniques require the extra step of withdrawing the damaged end of the biceps tendon from the surgery site and using suture to reinforce it before re-inserting the tendon and re-attaching it. "The device has really simplified the biceps tenodesis procedure by eliminating steps and shortening the length of the procedure," said Dr. Scott Trenhaile, a shoulder specialist with Rockford Orthopedic Associates and Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford. "The ability to place the tendon in a bone socket using an all-endoscopic technique without delivering the tendon out of the body is a great feature." Surgeons typically perform biceps tenodesis procedures in conjunction with rotator cuff repair, and market research shows that tenodesis procedure volume is climbing as surgeons more routinely address this pathology. Surgeons are expected to perform more than 68,000 biceps tenodesis procedures worldwide in 2009 alone. Using Smith & Nephew Endoscopy's tenodesis system, the surgeon drills a tunnel in the humerus and secures healthy biceps tendon tissue inside it using the BIOSURE(TM) PK Interference Screw. The BIOSURE PK Interference Screw is molded from PEEK(R) by Invibio, a polymer whose strength, stiffness and biocompatibility are similar to those of cortical bone. The screw's tapered shape and thread pattern compress the tendon tissue against the walls of the bone tunnel, providing multiple potential attachment points. With the tendon re-attached, the damaged section of the biceps tendon is cut away. "Smith & Nephew's innovation over the last several years has given surgeons options as they determine the best tools and techniques for repairing shoulder injuries," said Rebecca White, market manager for shoulder repair at Smith & Nephew Endoscopy. "The BICEPTOR Tenodesis System further expands our treatment portfolio. It enables surgeons to use Smith & Nephew devices from start to finish: positioning the patient, accessing the joint, visualizing and diagnosing the injury, resecting damaged soft tissue and repairing the tears." CONTACT:: Molly Manchenton Sr. Corporate Communications Specialist Smith & Nephew Endoscopy (978) 749-1667 (TM)Trademark of Smith & Nephew. Certain Marks Reg. U.S. Pat. & T.M. Off. About Smith & Nephew Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specialising in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Orthopaedic Trauma and Clinical Therapies, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management products. Smith & Nephew is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the leading global orthopaedics companies. "Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people's lives. The Company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeons and professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with high standards of performance, innovation and trust. The Company operates in 31 countries around the world. Annual sales in 2008 were $3.8 billion." This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In particular, statements regarding planned growth in our business and in our operating margins discussed under "Outlook" are forward-looking statements as are discussions of our product pipeline. These statements, as well as the phrases "aim", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "well-placed", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "consider" and similar expressions, are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors (including, but not limited to, the outcome of litigation and regulatory approvals) that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Smith & Nephew, or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Please refer to the documents that Smith & Nephew has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including Smith & Nephew's most recent annual report on Form 20F, for a discussion of certain of these factors. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Smith & Nephew as of the date hereof. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to Smith & Nephew or any person acting on behalf of Smith & Nephew are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing. Smith & Nephew does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Smith & Nephew's expectation with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. DATASOURCE: Smith & Nephew CONTACT: Molly Manchenton, Sr. Corporate Communications Specialist of Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, +1-978-749-1667, Web Site: http://www.smith-nephew.com/

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