Stryker Operating Results for Quarter Ended Marc...(esult of higher shipments of Orthopaedic...),Health

International sales were $559 million for the first quarter of 2009, representing a decrease of 7.0%. The impact of foreign currency comparisons to the dollar value of international sales was unfavorable by $87 million in the first quarter of 2009. On a constant currency basis, international sales increased 7.4% in the first quarter of 2009, as a result of higher shipments of Orthopaedic Implants and MedSurg Equipment.

Worldwide sales of Orthopaedic Implants were $973 million for the first quarter of 2009, representing an increase of 0.2%. On a constant currency basis, sales of Orthopaedic Implants increased 6.2% in the first quarter of 2009, based on higher shipments of reconstructive, trauma, spinal and craniomaxillofacial implant systems.

Worldwide sales of MedSurg Equipment were $628 million for the first quarter of 2009, representing a decrease of 5.3%. On a constant currency basis, sales of MedSurg Equipment decreased 1.0% in the first quarter of 2009, as higher shipments of surgical equipment and surgical navigation systems were offset by lower sales of endoscopic, communications and digital imaging systems and patient handling and emergency medical equipment.

Income Taxes

The Company's effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2009 was 27.3%, as compared to effective income tax rates for the first quarter of 2008 and year ended December 31, 2008 of 28.1% and 27.4%, respectively.

In April 2009 the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued two notices of proposed tax adjustments to the Company's previously filed 2003, 2004 and 2005 income tax returns related to income tax positions the Company has taken for its cost sharing arrangements with two wholly owned entities operating in Ireland. The Company believes it followed the applic
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