8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

________________________

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)  October 23, 2008
STRYKER CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Michigan	0-9165	38-1239739
(State or other jurisdiction	(Commission	(IRS Employer
of incorporation)	File Number)	Identification No.)
2825 Airview Boulevard, Kalamazoo, Michigan		49002
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code  269.385.2600

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

ITEM 8.01 OTHER EVENTS

Stryker Corporation (the Company) issued a press release on October 23, 2008 announcing that its Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase up to $250 million of its common stock.  A copy of this press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

(d)	Exhibits
	99.1  Press release dated October 23, 2008

SIGNATURES

            Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

STRYKER CORPORATION

(Registrant)

October 23, 2008                                                        /s/ DEAN H. BERGY

Date                                                                             Dean H. Bergy

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

                                                                                    (Principal Financial Officer)

EXHIBIT INDEX 

99.1 Press release dated October 23, 2008

EX-99

Exhibit 99.1

STRYKER ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL SHARE REPURCHASE AUTHORIZATION

Kalamazoo, Michigan - October 23, 2008 -- 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.

Contact:     Katherine A. Owen

                  Vice President, Strategy and Investor Relations

                  269/385-2600