1 EXHIBIT 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTS We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 33-23514, 33-49422 and 33-49526) of CONMED Corporation of our report dated February 10, 1998 appearing on page F-1 of the 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K. PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP Syracuse, New York February 23, 1998