Smith & Nephew to launch new product lines at AAOS Annual Meeting

Smith & Nephew plc (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN), the global medical technology business, continues to deliver on its strategic priorities by introducing new and innovative products from its Orthopedics and Endoscopy business units at this year's American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ("AAOS") Annual Meeting.  Smith & Nephew's presence at this year's Annual Meeting will feature the launch of several new products, as well as advances in Smith & Nephew's current portfolio, and representatives from Smith & Nephew Orthopaedic's medical education platform, KLEOS, will be on hand.  The combined success of Smith & Nephew's Orthopaedics, Endoscopy, Advanced Wound Management and Biologics & Clinical Therapies businesses reflects Smith & Nephew's continued focus on providing its customers with innovative technologies, comprehensive medical education and superior customer service.

"Despite a difficult economic environment, 2009 was a year of strong underlying growth for Smith & Nephew.  This was a direct result of Smith & Nephew's dedication to our customers and the products we provide them with," said David Illingworth, Chief Executive of Smith & Nephew.  "We continue to invest in cutting-edge technologies that both advance our existing products and position us to introduce new ones, fulfilling our commitment to improve surgeon and patient options. We are excited to showcase these advances and new product lines at the AAOS Annual Meeting."

Management in attendance at this year's meeting will include Dave Illingworth; Joe DeVivo, President Orthopaedics; Mike Frazzette, President Endoscopy; Mark Augusti, President Biologics & Clinical Therapies; and Tom Dugan, President North American Business, Advanced Wound Management."

Mr. Illingworth continued, "We have extremely talented people leading our global businesses and we welcome the opportunity to meet with surgeons and other customers at our booth. We also have Orthopaedics' medical education platform, KLEOS, at this year's meeting, which includes industry-leading educational activities, such as MOBILAB, surgical skills courses, and our new telementoring program.  We look forward to sharing our new products and ideas at our booth."

SOURCE Smith & Nephew