Stryker Announces Additional Share Repurchase Authorization

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Stryker Corporation
(NYSE: SYK) announced today that its Board of Directors has authorized the
Company to repurchase up to an additional $250 million of its common stock.
This authorization follows the completion of the previously announced $750
million share repurchase program. Under the $750 million program, completed
the first week of October, the Company purchased 11.6 million shares of common
stock. Purchases under the newly authorized program may be made from time to
time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.
The manner, timing and amount of any purchases will be determined by the
Company's management based on their evaluation of market conditions, stock
price and other factors. The Company had 403.7 million shares of common stock
outstanding as of September 30, 2008.
Stryker Corporation is one of the world's leading medical technology
companies with the most broadly based range of products in orthopaedics and a
significant presence in other medical specialties. Stryker works with
respected medical professionals to help people lead more active and more
satisfying lives. The Company's products include implants used in joint
replacement, trauma, craniomaxillofacial and spinal surgeries; biologics;
surgical, neurologic, ear, nose & throat and interventional pain equipment;
and endoscopic, surgical navigation, communications and digital imaging
systems; as well as patient handling and emergency medical equipment. For more
information about Stryker, please visit the Company web site at
www.stryker.com .
SOURCE Stryker Corporation

Katherine A. Owen, Vice President, Strategy and Investor Relations of Stryker
Corporation, +1-269-385-2600