1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement on
Form S-3 (File No. 333-44919) of our reports dated January 31, 1997 and February
2, 1998, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and consolidated
financial statement schedules of Sofamor Danek Group, Inc., which are included
in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 1996 and Current
Report on Form 8-K dated February 3, 1998. We also consent to the references to
our firm under the captions "Experts" and "Selected Consolidated Financial
Data."
    
 
   
                                    COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
    
 
Memphis, Tennessee
 
   
February 2, 1998