UTICA, NY, May 07, 2009 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- CONMED Corporation's (NASDAQ: CNMD) CONMED Linvatec arthroscopy unit announced today the full market release of the Paladin(TM) Rotator Cuff Suture Anchor System following its preview at the recent Spring Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) Annual Meeting.

The Paladin(TM) Suture Anchor System provides surgeons a full complement of options for both single and double row repair during arthroscopic shoulder procedures. Pre-loaded on an arthroscopic disposable inserter with two different color strands of #2 Hi-Fi(TM) High Strength Suture, this system is designed to minimize insertion steps by eliminating the need to drill a pilot hole prior to tapping. Available in 5.0mm and 6.5mm diameter screw-in implants, the Paladin(TM) anchors are manufactured from CONMED Linvatec's patented self reinforced 96L/4D Poly Lactic Acid (PLA). SR-PLA copolymer provides high initial strength with optimal bioabsorption characteristics. Consequently, the Paladin(TM) Anchor maintains its strength throughout the critical healing period and gradually transfers the load to the repair site ensuring the tissue has adequate time to heal and minimizing the effect of stress shielding.

Joseph Darling, President of CONMED Linvatec, commented, "The combination of high pullout strength, ideal bioabsorbable characteristics and a simple two-step technique make the Paladin(TM) anchor an ideal choice for all rotator cuff procedures. This system will also provide patients with a more stable rotator cuff repair healing process."

ABOUT CONMED

CONMED is a medical technology company with an emphasis on surgical devices and equipment for minimally invasive procedures and monitoring. The Company's products serve the clinical areas of arthroscopy, powered surgical instruments, electrosurgery, cardiac monitoring disposables, endosurgery and endoscopic technologies. They are used by surgeons and physicians in a variety of specialties including orthopedics, general surgery, gynecology, neurosurgery, and gastroenterology. Headquartered in Utica, New York, the Company's 3,200 employees distribute its products worldwide from several manufacturing locations.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on certain assumptions and contingencies that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and relate to the Company's performance on a going-forward basis. The forward-looking statements in this press release involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results, performance or trends, to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements herein or in previous disclosures. The Company believes that all forward-looking statements made by it have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs or projections as expressed in the forward-looking statements will actually occur or prove to be correct. In addition to general industry and economic conditions, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to: (i) the failure of any one or more of the assumptions stated above, to prove to be correct; (ii) the risks relating to forward-looking statements discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008; (iii) cyclical purchasing patterns from customers, end-users and dealers; (iv) timely release of new products, and acceptance of such new products by the market; (v) the introduction of new products by competitors and other competitive responses; (vi) the possibility that any new acquisition or other transaction may require the Company to reconsider its financial assumptions and goals/targets; and/or (vii) the Company's ability to devise and execute strategies to respond to market conditions.

SOURCE: CONMED Corporation