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                                  EXHIBIT 23.1
                       CONSENT OF COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

                      [Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. Letterhead]

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of
Sofamor Danek Group, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated January 31, 1997, on
our audits of the consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial
statement schedule of Sofamor Danek Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December
31, 1996 and 1995, and for the three years in the period ended December 31,
1996, which were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Annual
Report on Form 10-K. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the
caption "Experts."

                                          /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.


Memphis, Tennessee
May 6, 1997