ITEM 5.02 DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR CERTAIN OFFICERS; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN OFFICERS; COMPENSATORY ARRANGEMENTS OF CERTAIN OFFICERS.

At the Board of Directors Meeting of Stryker Corporation (the "Company") held on Thursday, October 29, 2009, John W. Brown notified the Board of Directors that he will retire as Chairman of the Board and a Director, effective December 31, 2009.

The Company also announced that Stephen P. MacMillan, Stryker's President and CEO, has been appointed Chairman of the Board, in addition to his current responsibilities, effective January 1, 2010. A copy of this press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

ITEM 8.01 OTHER EVENTS.

The Company issued a press release on October 30, 2009 announcing that its Board of Directors has modified the Company's dividend policy and declared a cash transition dividend. A copy of this press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2.

ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

(c) Exhibits

The following exhibits are included with this Report:

99.1 Press release announcing retirement of John W. Brown, as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stryker Corporation
99.2 Press release announcing modification of the Company's dividend policy and declaration of cash transition dividend

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