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                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1


NUMBER:           99-3
DATE:             June 4, 1999
CONTACT:          David J. Simpson
                  Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
                  616-385-2600



                                STRYKER ANNOUNCES
                          AMENDMENT TO CREDIT FACILITY


         Kalamazoo, Michigan -- Stryker Corporation (NYSE: SYK) announced that,
effective today, its $1.65 billion credit facility has been amended to lower the
net borrowing cost by an average of 50 basis points, or approximately $7 million
per year on current borrowings. The amendment reflects improvements in the
financial markets since the December 4, 1998 financing of the Howmedica
acquisition. The credit facility and the amendment were arranged by Goldman
Sachs Credit Partners L.P. and Bank of America.

         Stryker Corporation develops, manufactures and markets specialty
surgical and medical products, including orthopaedic reconstructive, trauma and
spinal implants, powered surgical instruments, endoscopic systems, patient care
and handling equipment for the global market and provides outpatient physical
therapy services in the United States.