UTICA, NY, Jul 07, 2009 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- CONMED Corporation's (NASDAQ: CNMD) CONMED Linvatec arthroscopy unit announced today that it has launched its Linvatec Shoulder Restoration System (Linvatec SRS).

The Linvatec Shoulder Restoration System is a comprehensive system for rotator cuff repair that supports multiple surgical techniques, facilitates secure reconstruction, and provides optimal tissue tensioning that leads to successful clinical outcomes. This innovative system permits intra-operative flexibility by providing the surgeon with the ability to choose from any of the most advanced rotator cuff repair techniques including single row, double row and transosseous equivalent fixation.

The Linvatec SRS is comprised of several components including state-of-the-art suture anchors and instrumentation as follows:

• PopLok(TM) Knotless Suture Anchor Designed for primary and lateral row fixation, the PopLok(TM) is an all PEEK (Polyetheretherkeytone) anchor offered in 3.5 and 4.5mm sizes. The PopLok(TM) is a significant step forward in knotless technology by providing for tensioning sutures separately from anchor seating as well as for securing the sutures regardless of bone quality. The PopLok(TM) is cannulated to channel growth factors to the repair site capitalizing on the body's healing powers to restore rotator cuff integrity. The PopLok(TM) provides these advantages while affording ease-of-use second to none.
• CrossFT(TM) Fully Threaded Suture Anchor Composed of PEEK, the CrossFT(TM) is offered in 4.5, 5.5 and 6.5mm sizes with multiple suture configurations. Incorporating both a fully threaded design and a dual thread profile, the CrossFT(TM) provides a radiolucent option with significant fixation strength and security. As with the PopLok(TM), the CrossFT(TM) is cannulated to channel growth factors to the repair site.
• Super Revo-FT(TM) and ThRevo-FT(TM) Fully Threaded Suture Anchors The Super Revo-FT(TM) and ThRevo-FT(TM), both 5.0mm titanium anchors, are offered with two or three sutures, respectively. These anchors offer an excellent option for surgeons who prefer to visualize the anchor after rotator cuff repair while capitalizing on the proven Revo(R) design for exceptional performance. The self-drilling Revo(R) design eliminates a step during the insertion process to save valuable OR time.

"The Linvatec Shoulder Restoration System (SRS) is a simplistic and versatile solution to address rotator cuff pathology," said Dr. Jeffrey Abrams, a shoulder and sports medicine specialist with Princeton Orthopaedic Associates, P.A. in Princeton, New Jersey. "The SRS allows me to intra-operatively choose the type of repair most suitable for the tear pattern and patient demands. In my practice I utilize a combination of single row and transosseous-equivalent (TOE) repair techniques; the SRS provides a solution for both configurations. All three anchors in the system, The PopLok(TM), CrossFT(TM) and Super Revo/ThRevo-FT(TM), provide exceptional fixation strength allowing them to be used for primary offset fixation. My choice for a lateral row, knotless anchor is the PopLok(TM) as it provides me with exceptional control over suture tensioning and securely locks the suture within the anchor. Medially, I place multiple sutures in various mattress configurations to spread out points of fixation. The Linvatec SRS is a well thought out system that is a welcome addition to the ConMed Linvatec Shoulder Arthroscopy offering."

In addition to redefining the suture anchor market with the products listed, CONMED Linvatec has also revolutionized the instrumentation segment of the market. By focusing on innovation, a more efficient pilot hole instrumentation system has been developed, providing more options to access and repair shoulder pathology in the rotator cuff. The patent pending, broaching punch, exclusive to CONMED Linvatec, simultaneously enhances fixation and reduces stress fractures to bone.

"We are committed to providing surgeons with solutions to help them achieve the best results for their patients," said Joe Darling, President of CONMED Linvatec. "Our Shoulder Restoration System is an all-encompassing solution for rotator cuff procedures, and adds further depth to the growing number of products in our Shoulder Arthroscopy portfolio."

CONMED Profile

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.

CONTACT:

CONMED Corporation
Robert Shallish
Chief Financial Officer
315-624-3206

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Investors:
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Theresa Kelleher
212-850-5600

SOURCE: CONMED Corporation