MAHWAH, N.J., Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Stryker Corporation's Orthopaedics Division today announced that Fred Funk, one of the most recognizable names and personalities in professional golf, has become a spokesperson for the company. A 20-year veteran of the sport and current member of the PGA Tour, Funk underwent a total knee replacement with Stryker's Triathlon® Knee System in November 2009 and later won the 2010 JELD-WEN Tradition, becoming the first player ever to win a PGA Tour-sanctioned event after total knee replacement surgery.

"After debilitating pain in my right knee began to impact my ability to compete as a professional athlete – and more importantly – maintain an active lifestyle, my orthopaedic surgeon recommended a Stryker Triathlon® knee implant. After a three-month recovery I was back on the Champions Tour playing a full tournament schedule," said Funk. "I hope my story will prove to millions of Americans suffering from knee pain that knee surgery can enable them to return to their active lifestyle."

Like many, Funk had been suffering with knee pain for several years and had gone through numerous surgeries to repair torn cartilage in his right knee, subsequently having it drained of fluid 18 times. In 2009, after discussing his options with Dr. R. David Heekin, Medical Director of the Orthopedic Center of Excellence at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida, Fred chose to undergo knee replacement surgery and received a Stryker Triathlon® Knee.

As a spokesperson for the company, Funk will help to educate current and prospective knee replacement patients around the country, drawing upon his experiences with osteoarthritis, knee replacement, and the recovery process.  

Stryker's Triathlon® Knee System is designed to offer patients with the potential for improved motion(1) and better fit(2) to help them perform life's daily activities. The Stryker Triathlon knee demonstrated better results than other primary knee replacement brands when measuring revision rates in the National Joint Registry of England and Wales(3).

"The fact that Fred is still performing competitively at a professional level after receiving a Stryker Triathlon® Knee makes him an inspiration for those suffering from knee pain," said Patrick Treacy, Vice President and General Manager Knee Reconstruction.  "With his help, we will be able to educate patients afflicted with osteoarthritis around the country on the knee replacement procedure and its ability to get them back to the activities they love."

During his golf career, Funk has scored PGA Tour victories at the 2007 Mayakoba Golf Classic, 2005 The PLAYERS Championship, 2004 Southern Farm Bureau Classic, 1998 Deposit Guaranty Golf Classic, 1996 B.C. Open, 1995 Ideon Classic @ Pleasant Valley, 1995 Buick Challenge and 1992 Shell Houston Open. On the Champions Tour, in 2010 he ranked sixth on the money list and has secured victories at the 2010 JELD-WEN Tradition, 2009 U.S. Senior Open, 2008 JELD-WEN Tradition, 2008 Mitsubishi Electric Championship, 2007 Turtle Bay Championship and 2007 AT&T Classic.

About Stryker Orthopaedics

Stryker Orthopaedics is a division of the Stryker Corporation, one of the world's leading medical technology companies. Stryker Orthopaedics offers an extensive orthopaedic product portfolio including hip, knee and upper extremity reconstructive devices, bone cement, trauma implants, bone substitutes and spine systems. For more information about Stryker Orthopaedics, visit: http://www.stryker.com/en-us/products/Orthopaedics/index.htm.

About Stryker

Stryker is one of the world's leading medical technology companies and is dedicated to helping healthcare professionals perform their jobs more efficiently while enhancing patient care. The Company provides innovative orthopaedic implants as well as state-of-the-art medical and surgical equipment to help people lead more active and more satisfying lives. For more information about Stryker, please visit www.stryker.com.

(1) Greene, K.A. Range of Motion: Early Results from the Triathlon® Knee System, Stryker Literature Ref # LSA56. 2005.

(2) Hitt, K., et al. Anthropometric Measurement of the Human Knee: correlation to the Sizing of Current Knee Arthroplasty Systems, JBJS, Vol. 85-A, supplement 4, 2003.

(3) National Joint Registry of England & Wales, 1st April 2003 through 31st December 2009.

SOURCE Stryker Orthopaedics