ANDOVER, Mass., Jan. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Nephew's (NYSE: SNN)(LSE:SN) Endoscopy Division today announced the launch of the DYONICS(TM) 5.5mm BONECUTTER(TM) ELECTROBLADE(TM) Resector, an all-in-one device for treating one of the most common sources of shoulder pain, subacromial impingement. The DYONICS 5.5mm BONECUTTER ELECTROBLADE Resector combines patented technologies to do the work of three separate devices: a mechanical shaver for soft tissue removal, a burr to smooth bone, and a radiofrequency (RF) probe to seal blood vessels at the surgery site. The result is often shorter procedures. During arthroscopic procedures, a surgeon may change instruments 10 to 20 times to address the specific requirements of each case. With each instrument exchange, the surgeon needs to re-establish device position in the joint, regain the field of view, and, in some cases, adjust the joint position to ensure there is enough room to maneuver the devices within the joint capsule. "The DYONICS 5.5mm BONECUTTER ELECTROBLADE Resector saves time and improves workflow during arthroscopic procedures," said Dr. Craig Levitz, a sports medicine specialist with Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group in Rockville Centre, N.Y. "Reduced procedure time means reduced time under anesthesia, and a reduced potential for procedure-related complications such as extravasation (oversaturation of the joint area by surgical fluid)." "For three decades, the DYONICS name has represented leadership, innovation and quality in the arthroscopy marketplace," said Alain Tranchemontagne, senior vice president of marketing for Smith & Nephew Endoscopy. "The DYONICS 5.5mm BONECUTTER ELECTROBLADE Resector addresses what surgeons have told us are the critical challenges associated with treating shoulder impingement: soft tissue resection, bleeding control and bone removal. We're proud to bring this technology to our surgeon customers and their patients." (TM)Trademark of Smith & Nephew. Certain Marks Reg. U.S. Pat. & T.M. Off. Editors Note: Subacromial impingement occurs when a shoulder tendon - part of the rotator cuff - becomes pinched between the humerus (upper arm bone) and the acromion, one of the bones in the shoulder joint. This condition, often caused by prolonged use as the bones of the humerus rub against the acromion, results in pain and limited range of shoulder motion, and often accompanies a torn rotator cuff. It's estimated that in 2007, surgeons worldwide performed more than 750,000 procedures to treat impingement. About Us 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 32 countries around the world. Annual sales in 2007 were nearly $3.4 billion. Forward-Looking Statements 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. Contact: Joe Metzger, Sr. Vice President, Corporate Communications Smith & Nephew Endoscopy (978) 749-1330 DATASOURCE: Smith & Nephew CONTACT: Joe Metzger, Sr. Vice President, Corporate Communications of Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, +1-978-749-1330,

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