a joint-specific set of instruments designed to improve a surgeon's ability to access the hip joint during arthroscopic surgery.

Traditionally, arthroscopic or minimally invasive surgery on the hip is performed to alleviate pain due to traumatic injury or congenital abnormalities. These typically include loose cartilage fragments (loose bodies), tears to the labrum tissue surrounding the joint or cartilage injuries.

"While hip arthroscopy has become an accepted surgical procedure over the last decade, one of the biggest challenges has been providing surgeons with the right instruments to gain optimal access to the hip joint," commented Victor M. Ilizaliturri M.D., Adult Joint Reconstructive Service Institute of Orthopaedics at the national Rehabilitation Center of Mexico, Mexico City, and co-developer of the system. "The HIP ACCESS SYSTEM was developed to alleviate those concerns."

The Smith & Nephew Endoscopy HIP ACCESS SYSTEM contains five instruments:

-- Hip Director Guide - pinpoints the insertion site for the anterior portal.

-- Cannulated Switching Stick - to provide access into the hip capsule.

-- Portal Enlarger - enlarges the size of the arthroscopic portal.

-- Modular T-Handle - provides a firm grip and rotational control for advancing the Switching Stick and Portal Enlarger into the joint.

-- Pistol Grip Slotted Cannula - allows working instruments to be passed in and loose bodies to be removed from the joint.

"The anterior surgical portal, essential for complete assessment of the hip joint, is technically the most challenging to position. The system developed by Dr. Ilizaliturri greatly simplifies this step," commented Dr. J. W. Thomas Byrd, Nashville Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Nashville, Tenn.

"In the past, the constraining anatomic structure and bony recesses of the hip made it extremely difficult for surgeons to access with traditional arthroscopic instruments," said Jim Taylor, president, Smith & Nephew Endoscopy. "This new instrument will make hip arthroscopy less challenging for those surgeons seeking to provide minimally invasive solutions to their patients."

About Smith & Nephew:

Smith & Nephew (NYSE: SNN, LSE: SN) (http://www.smith-nephew.com) is one of the world's leading medical device companies, specializing in Endoscopy, Orthopaedics, and Advanced Wound Management. Smith & Nephew ranks as the global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management, and is one of the fastest growing orthopaedics companies in the world.

Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people's lives. The company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeon and healthcare professional customers, with whom its name is synonymous with the highest standards of performance, innovation and trust. The company has more than 7,000 employees and operates in 32 countries around the world, generating sales of nearly $2 billion.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The company wishes to caution the reader that actual results may differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and may be adversely affected by, among other things, risks associated with new product development and commercialization, clinical trials, intellectual property, regulatory approvals, competitive offerings, the company's overall business strategy and other factors.