Why Stryker
Stryker is a leading global medical technology company dedicated to making healthcare better. Our broad-ranging products and expert support help healthcare professionals improve patient care and enhance operational results. Our Neurosurgical and Advanced Guidance Technologies businesses focus on delivering the high-performance instrumentation and computer assisted surgery systems needed for complex procedures in the most delicate and complex areas of the human body.
Mission and values
Mission
At the heart of what we do and believe is transforming healthcare. We do this by collaborating with our customers to develop innovative products and services that ultimately improve the lives of patients. Our commitment is expressed clearly through our mission: Together with our customers, we are driven to make healthcare better.
Values
Our core values guide our behaviors and actions. They’re part of our DNA and fundamental to how we create our products and collaborate with our customers.
Integrity
We do what’s right.
Accountability
We do what we say.
People
We grow talent.
Performance
We deliver.
History and legacy
Stryker’s legacy of innovation spans 150 years and two continents. We celebrate two inaugural dates—1866 in Germany with the founding of F.L. Fischer and 1936 with Dr. Homer Stryker’s first orthopaedic inventions. Over the decades, a cadre of innovative companies has grown and come together to make Stryker a world leader in neuro, spine and ENT surgical instrumentation and navigation.
1866
F.L. Fischer founds his surgical instrument company—the germ cell of Freiburg medical technology.
1925
Dr. Homer Stryker receives his degree in orthopaedic surgery from the University of Michigan.
1940
Dr. Stryker begins medical practice in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and establishes offices in Borgess Hospital and begins research and development in the basement.
1941-45
Dr. Stryker begins selling the wedge turning frame, an innovative invention that lets caregivers turn patients while keeping the spine stable.
1946
Dr. Stryker incorporates the Orthopedic Frame Company, selling four of his inventions: the turning frame, the cast walking heel, a surgical traction device and cast cutter.
1947
The Orthopedic Frame Company patents the oscillating saw, which cuts hard casts without injuring soft underlying skin.
1951
Oswald Leibinger founds his company in Muhlheim-Stetten, Germany.
1964
Dr. Stryker retires from medical practice, and the Orthopedic Frame Company changes its name to Stryker Corporation.
1979
Stryker acquires Osteonics Corporation and enters the orthopaedic market.
1984
Oswald Leibinger acquires F.L. Fischer and manages it initially as a separate business.
1992
F.L. Fischer and Oswald Leibinger merge under Howmedica Leibinger.
1994
Howmedica Leibinger launches the world’s first neuro planning and navigation software: the Zeiss MKM robotic microscope using Leibinger STP 1.0 stereotactic planning software.
1996
Pfizer acquires Howmedica Leibinger.
1996
Stryker introduces its first high speed electric drill for neuro and spine surgery.
1998
Stryker acquires Howmedica Medical Technology, including Howmedica Leibinger.
2000
Stryker launches its Nav I navigation platform with Neuro 1.0 software.
2003
Stryker launches the CORE Console, enabling surgical teams to run multiple products on a single console.
2005
Stryker’s first pneumatic drill for neuro and spine surgery enters the market.
2006
Stryker introduces its Nav II navigation platform.
2006
To serve neuro, spine and ENT surgeons, Stryker introduces SILVERGlide Bipolar Forceps, NasoPore Bioresorbable Nasal Dressing and MIS drill attachments.
2007
Stryker launches the Sumex Drill, ESSx Microdebrider, Aria Drill and perforator bit to expand its neuro, spine and ENT offerings.
2008
Stryker creates a new market for neuro, spine and ENT with introduction of The Mill, our award-winning bone mill.
2010
Stryker acquires SONOPET, accelerating the growth of its neuro, spine and ENT portfolio.
2010
Stryker launches 2Flute bur to provide smooth, precise and rapid dissection of bone.
2012
Stryker introduces specialty-inspired S2 Drive Drill to address the needs of otologists.
2012
Stryker NAV3 Platform is released for computer assisted surgery.
2013
Stryker introduces the Stryker NAV3i Platform, our premier surgical navigation system.
2013
Stryker launches SONOPET Ultrasonic Aspirator 1.5 straight handpiece and knives for precise bone cutting.
2013
Stryker introduces SILVERGlide ProSeries—an elite line of bipolar forceps.
2014
Stryker acquires Polyganics’ ear, nose and throat surgery business unit expanding its nasal and ear dressing portfolio.
2015
SONOPET becomes the leader in market share in ultrasonic aspirators.
2015
Stryker launches the Signature Portfolio—the most comprehensive and customizable high speed drill platform.
Stryker’s difference
Your superior experience starts with our people.
People
Our people stand out. They’re dedicated, highly skilled experts who care deeply and listen carefully. When you need a partner in improving care, we’re by your side.
Culture
We created a dynamic, supportive environment that enables amazing people to do amazing things. Count on us to do what is right and deliver—every time.
Product innovation
Innovation is in our DNA—from Dr. Homer Stryker to the researchers, engineers and surgeons creating solutions that are reshaping neurotechnology today.
Medical education
Innovation and skill come together in our educational outreach to providers. Each year, we help surgical teams nationwide master the latest medical technologies and care practices.
Research and development
We amplify our investments in R&D by listening to our customers and collaborating with them to create solutions that are simply superior.
Outcomes
We share your values and your commitment to innovative care that heals effectively and efficiently. With you, we’re driven to make healthcare better.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Explore our neurotechnology portfolio
Our neuro and spine surgical instrumentation and navigation products are part of Stryker’s broader neurotechnology portfolio. Together, eight of Stryker’s businesses are strengthening support and service to the neurosurgical community with products in three categories: spine, cranial and neurovascular. To learn more, visit strykerneurotechnology.com.
