Stryker Corporation’s SYK third-quarter 2018 results are scheduled for release on Oct 25, after market close. While the company’s core MedSurg segment is likely to put up a strong show in the quarter to be reported, a slow Spine business might partially mar results.Last-Quarter ResultsIn the second quarter of 2018, Stryker posted adjusted earnings per share of $1.76, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.7%. Earnings improved 15% year over year.The Michigan-based medical device company reported revenues of $3.32 billion, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.31 billion by a narrow margin. Revenues rose 10.3% on a year-over-year basis and 9.9% at constant currency (cc).Stryker has a positive average surprise of 2.1% for the trailing four quarters.Which Way Are Estimates Treading?The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter earnings per share is pegged at $1.68, reflecting year-over-year growth of 10.5%.The same for revenues is pinned at $3.26 billion, showing growth of 8.4% over the prior-year quarter.Stryker Corporation Price and EPS Surprise Stryker Corporation Price and EPS Surprise | Stryker Corporation Quote Let’s see how things are shaping up before the earnings results.MedSurg in FocusThis segment consists of surgical instruments, endoscopic and emergency medical equipment and has been consistently driving Stryker’s topline.In the last reported quarter, the unit contributed a significant 44% to Stryker’s net sales. Revenues in the segment came in at $1.46 billion, up 9.2% at cc.It is encouraging to note that, for the quarter to be reported, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the segment’s revenues stands at $1.45 billion, up 8.8% year over year.MedSurg has three subsegments — Endoscopy, Instruments and Medical.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Endoscopy revenues is pegged at $445 million, up 10.1% year over year. The same for Instruments revenues stands at $437 million, showing a year-over-year rise of 8.2%. Moreover, for MedSurg Medical revenues, the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pinned at $505 million, up 8.8% on a year-over-year basis.Other Factors at PlayOrthopaedic Implant to Drive GrowthIn the last reported quarter, Stryker’s core Orthopaedic segment contributed 37% to net sales. For the quarter to be reported, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the segment’s sales is pegged at $1.19 billion, showing a year-over-year rise of 5.5%.Guidance StrongFor 2018, Stryker expects organic net sales growth of 7-7.5%.Adjusted earnings per share are anticipated within $7.22 to $7.27. The Zacks Consensus Estimate stands at $7.25, within the guided range.For the third quarter of 2018, earnings are projected in the range of $1.65 to $1.70.Spine Business Slows DownStryker’s spinal implant product offering includes cervical, thoracolumbar and interbody systems used in spinal injury, deformity and degenerative therapies.In the last reported quarter, Stryker’s core Spine business witnessed mid-single digit decline. In fact, management expects the Spine market to remain challenged.For the quarter to be reported, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Spine revenues is pegged at $194 million, showing a sequential decline of 4%.What Does Our Model Say?Per our proven model, a stock needs to have a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) to deliver a positive earnings surprise in the quarter. This is not the case here as you will see below.Earnings ESP: Stryker has an Earnings ESP of -0.05%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.Zacks Rank: Stryker carries a Zacks Rank #3.Please note that we caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revision.Stocks Worth a LookHere are a few medical stocks worth considering as they have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter.Baxter International BAX has an Earnings ESP of +0.90% and a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.McKesson Corporation MCK has an Earnings ESP of +0.17% and a Zacks Rank #3.Masimo Corporation MASI has an Earnings ESP of +0.98% and a Zacks Rank #2.Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside?Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana.Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look.See the pot trades we're targeting>>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Masimo Corporation (MASI): Free Stock Analysis Report Stryker Corporation (SYK): Free Stock Analysis Report Baxter International Inc. (BAX): Free Stock Analysis Report McKesson Corporation (MCK): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here.