1 EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of Sofamor Danek Group, Inc. 1993 Long-Term Incentive Plan on Form S-8 (File No. 33-60840) of our report dated February 2, 1998, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement schedule of Sofamor Danek Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, which report is included as an exhibit to Form 10-K. Memphis, Tennessee COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P. March 23, 1998 2 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of Sofamor Danek Group, Inc. Incentive Stock Option Plan on Form S-8 (File No. 33-43614) of our report dated February 2, 1998, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement schedule of Sofamor Danek Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, which report is included as an exhibit to Form 10-K. COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P. Memphis, Tennessee March 23, 1998 3 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of Sofamor Danek Group, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan on Form S-8 (File No. 33-43597) of our report dated March 12, 1998, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement schedule of Sofamor Danek Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, which report is included as an exhibit to Form 10-K. COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P. Memphis, Tennessee March 23, 1998