<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM ORATEC
INTERVENTIONS, INC AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JUL-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 51,260
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 8,580
<ALLOWANCES> 907
<INVENTORY> 6,151
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 67,318
<PP&E> 14,219
<DEPRECIATION> 5,318
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 76,219
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 7,050
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 22
<OTHER-SE> 69,142
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 76,219
<SALES> 11,528
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 11,528
<CGS> 3,954
<TOTAL-COSTS> 3,954
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 125
<INCOME-PRETAX> 309
<INCOME-TAX> 15
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 294
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 294
<EPS-BASIC> .01
<EPS-DILUTED> .01
</TABLE>