Medical Screws and Plates Market

Market Overview

The global medical screws and plates market size was valued at USD 1.43 Billion in 2023. It is expected to reach USD 2.57 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 31.8% during the forecast period (2024–2032).

Medical screws and plates are orthopedic implants used in surgeries to support and mend bones. They are essential in fracture treatment, orthopedic repair, and spinal surgery. These devices stabilize the damaged area, encourage bone repair, and restore function.

An increase in the incidence of musculoskeletal ailments, innovations in surgical procedures, and increased healthcare investments worldwide are driving medical screws and plates market growth. Technological advancements, such as creating biodegradable implants and patient-specific solutions, are transforming the market landscape. As the global population ages and the demand for orthopedic procedures increases, the medical screws and plates market share is predicted to grow, giving essential assistance to healthcare systems around the world.

Market Dynamics

Global Medical Screws and Plates Market Drivers:

Increasing Incidence of Musculoskeletal Disorders

The global growth in musculoskeletal illnesses, which include conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, is a major driver of the medical screws and plates industry. This surge is linked to aging populations, lifestyle changes, and increased sports-related injuries, all contributing to an increasing demand for orthopedic procedures. The latest recent estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study were released in 2020, encompassing data up to 2019. According to these predictions, 494 million persons had musculoskeletal illnesses in 2020, a 123.4% rise from 1990. Furthermore, Pfizer estimates that 1.71 billion people around the world have musculoskeletal disorders. Cases of various musculoskeletal illnesses are expected to rise by 115% between 2020 and 2050.

Additionally, according to the National Safety Council, sports and recreational injuries will rise 12% in 2022. However, according to the AAOS's March 2023 press kit, the overall number of sports-related injuries is dropping while the severity of those injuries increases. In some cases, fractures caused by osteoporosis, accidents, or trauma necessitate surgical procedures involving medical screws and plates for stabilization. The incidence of osteoporosis-related fractures is increasing, particularly among older people. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, one in every three women over the age of 50 and one in every five males will sustain an osteoporotic fracture during their lifetime. Osteoporosis is responsible for almost 8.9 million fractures worldwide each year, or one fracture every three seconds. On average, 43% of the women polled reported breaking a bone after a simple accident or bump after the age of fifty. The percentages were highest in Japan (73.3%) and the United Kingdom (60.9%), and lowest in Brazil (21.6%).

As the worldwide population ages and illnesses such as osteoporosis and fractures become more common, the medical screws and plates market trend is predicted to continue to rise in response to the growing demand for effective orthopedic solutions.

Global Medical Screws and Plates Market Restraints:

Risk of Post-Surgery Complication

The potential risk of post-surgical problems associated with orthopedic implants, such as medical screws and plates, poses a significant barrier to market expansion. Infections, implant failure, and unpleasant reactions are all examples of complications that can increase healthcare expenditures, lead to patient unhappiness, and raise questions among healthcare professionals about the safety and effectiveness of these devices. According to a news item in 2023, infection and device failure are serious issues with orthopedic implants, impacting up to 10% of patients. Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant post-surgical complication. Implants, such as screws and plates, can bring bacterial contamination into the surgical procedure, resulting in infections that may require additional procedures. A 2023 study shows the global pooled incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) is 2.5 percent. However, other studies have found a broader range of SSI rates, ranging from 19.4% to 36.5% globally and 3% to 12% in India. 

Similarly, implant failure can be caused by various circumstances, such as material fatigue, incorrect implantation, or an incompatibility between the implant and the patient's anatomy. Such failures may demand revision procedures, complicating patient recovery and raising healthcare expenditures. In addition, adverse reactions to implant materials or concerns with biocompatibility might cause inflammatory responses in the body. Allergic reactions or hypersensitivity to specific materials might lead to difficulties after surgery. 

Global Medical Screws and Plates Market Opportunity:

Rapid Technological Advancement

Ongoing technological improvements in orthopedic implants, such as medical screws and plates, represent a substantial possibility for market expansion. Innovations in materials, design, and manufacturing methods help to create more sophisticated and successful implants that satisfy the changing needs of healthcare practitioners and patients. The use of 3D printing technology in the production of medical screws and plates is a significant development. This technique enables the development of sophisticated, patient-specific implants with greater precision and customization. For example, in February 2021, Apollo Hospitals and Anatomiz3D Medtech teamed to develop and build hospital 3D printing facilities in India, allowing doctors to see and print implants for complex surgical procedures. 3D printing in orthopedic implants significantly drives this rise, allowing for better implant design and function.

Furthermore, smart technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) are increasingly integrated into orthopedic implants. Smart implants can offer real-time information on the implant's state, patient activities, and healing progress, allowing for proactive healthcare management. Furthermore, according to an article published in March 2022 in the National Library of Medicine titled 'SMART' implantable devices for spinal implants, these intelligent implants have been proposed for use in understanding everyday activities that may risk implant damage, monitoring the progression of fusion, and early detection of potential complications such as pedicle screw loosening and interbody cage subsidence. This provides a chance for the creation of smart medical screws and plates.

Regional Analysis

The global medical screws and plates market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global medical screws and plates market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% over the forecast period. It is due to an increase in orthopedic surgical procedures, osteosynthesis devices such as bone plates and screws, increased awareness campaigns by top-tier professionals, maximum reimbursement coverage, higher-quality care, the presence of key manufacturers, and sophisticated healthcare infrastructure. Our data indicate that the prevalence of osteoporosis is the most significant driver in the regional market. The National Institutes of Health predicts that one in every three women and one in every five men over the age of 50 will experience an osteoporotic fracture by 2023.

Additionally, fractures caused by osteoporosis can be debilitating and even fatal. Approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and another 44 million have inadequate bone density, putting them at greater risk. This indicates that half of all persons aged 50 and up are in danger of fracturing a bone and should be concerned about its health. According to the Osteoporosis Foundation Canada, osteoporosis causes 70-90% of the 30,000 hip fractures in Canada.

Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 7.5% over the forecast period. Europe market is expected to give lucrative potential because of increased awareness among individuals about osteoporosis and its treatment; Osteoporosis and traffic accidents are significant contributions to Europe's medical screws and plates market revenue growth. Every year, road traffic accidents kill approximately 120,000 people and injure 2.4 million others in the World Health Organization's European zone. According to the National Health Service, England has Europe's highest fracture rate.

The National Health Service reports that eight new fracture cases occur every minute in the EU. The NHS also believes that over 23 million men and women in the EU are at high risk of osteoporotic fractures. The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) predicts that the number of osteoporotic fractures in the EU, Switzerland, and the UK will rise 24.8% between 2019 and 2034. This would increase from 4.28 million fractures in 2019 to 5.34 million by 2034. 

The Asia-Pacific area is conducting a complete market analysis of medical screws and plates. Countries such as China, Japan, India, and South Korea are emerging as critical contributors as healthcare infrastructure improves, populations age, and medical technology advances. Japan ranks second in the list of road accidents in the world, with nearly 500,000 car accidents annually. In 2018, Japan had 499,232 traffic accidents, resulting in 4,698 deaths and 614,155 injuries. According to a 2023 poll, Japan has the highest percentage of people who suffer a fragility fracture and go on to have more fractures. In Japan, 73.3% of persons who suffer from a fragility fracture get further fractures.  In Japan, 12.8 million people are believed to have osteoporosis, and approximately 193,400 hip fractures occur each year. However, barely 20% of persons with osteoporosis in Japan receive treatment. 

The Middle East and Africa and North Africa are essential contributors to the market.  Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa are significant contributors to the Middle East and African medical screws and plates market, which is being driven by increased healthcare investments, rising orthopedic operations, and technological advances. A 30-year epidemiological study indicated that lower-extremity fractures are rising in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). According to different research, upper-extremity fractures (UEFs) are growing in the MENA region, which contradicts global trends. 

Segmental Analysis

The global medical screws and plates market share is segmented based on material, product type, extremity and end-user

By Material:

Metallic materials, particularly stainless steel and titanium, dominate the Medical Screws and Plates market. These materials offer superior strength, biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance, which are critical for orthopedic and trauma applications. Titanium, in particular, is favored due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, which allows for durable yet lightweight implants. It also has excellent osseointegration properties, promoting better integration with bone tissue. Metallic implants are well-established in clinical practice and are supported by extensive clinical data and surgeon experience. Although non-metallic and bioabsorbable materials are gaining traction for specific applications due to their advantages in reducing long-term complications and the need for removal surgeries, metallic materials remain the standard choice for the majority of orthopedic procedures. This dominance is further reinforced by ongoing advancements in metallic alloys that enhance performance and patient outcomes.

By Product Type:

Within the product type segmentation, screws, particularly bone screws, dominate the market. Bone screws are extensively used across various orthopedic surgeries, including trauma fixation, spinal surgeries, and reconstructive procedures. They provide critical stabilization and support to fractured bones, aiding in effective healing and rehabilitation. The versatility and adaptability of bone screws to different anatomical locations and their ability to accommodate different types of forces (shear, tensile, compressive) make them indispensable in orthopedic practice. Cortical screws, which are used in areas with dense bone, and cancellous screws, designed for areas with spongy bone, are common due to their effectiveness in different anatomical contexts. The continuous development in screw designs, such as cannulated and variable pitch screws, enhances their applicability and success rates, solidifying their dominance over plates, which are also essential but less versatile compared to screws.

By Extremity Type:

The lower extremity segment, encompassing surgeries related to the hips, knees, ankles, and feet, is the dominant segment. This dominance is driven by the high incidence of lower extremity fractures and conditions such as osteoarthritis, which often necessitate the use of screws and plates for effective treatment. Hip and knee surgeries, including joint replacements and fracture fixations, significantly contribute to the demand for these devices. The lower extremities bear the body's weight and are more prone to injuries and degenerative conditions, leading to a higher frequency of orthopedic interventions. Additionally, sports injuries and accidents frequently result in fractures of the lower extremities, further boosting the demand in this segment. The aging population and increasing prevalence of osteoporosis are also contributing factors, as these conditions often result in lower extremity fractures requiring surgical intervention with screws and plates.

By End-User:

Hospitals and clinics are the dominant end-users in the Medical Screws and Plates market. These settings are primary centers for surgical interventions, including trauma and orthopedic surgeries, where screws and plates are routinely used. Hospitals and large clinics are equipped with comprehensive surgical facilities and specialized orthopedic departments, making them the preferred locations for complex procedures that require advanced implants. They also handle a higher volume of patients compared to other healthcare settings, driving significant demand for these medical devices. Moreover, hospitals and clinics often engage in long-term partnerships with suppliers for consistent and reliable access to high-quality screws and plates, reinforcing their dominant position. The trend towards outpatient surgeries is growing, yet hospitals continue to be the cornerstone for critical and high-volume procedures, ensuring their dominance as the primary consumers of these devices.

Impact of covid-19

The COVID-19 pandemic began in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency and placed the world on high alert. The pandemic has had a massive influence on the economy globally. Furthermore, the subsequent impact on enterprises, individuals, and governments and the efforts made to address the crisis have substantially influenced financial markets, global economies, and public demand for these products.

Several elective operations were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and available resources were transferred to COVID-19 emergencies. The world was forced to implement social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as a preventative step.

The orthopedic department was significantly impacted by increased postponed elective and surgical treatments that required extensive resources. Joint replacement procedures, in particular, were canceled, and orthopedic specialties were converted to COVID-19 facilities across the world. The Orthopaedic Trauma Association suggested that fracture fixing techniques be conducted as outpatient surgery.

Market Recovery Timeline and its Challenges

Many orthopedic specialties are experiencing liquidity issues. There are significant disruptions in commodity demand across many end-use sectors, with the global supply chain disrupted and the manufacturer's hierarchy altered. The global medical device business is experiencing an overstock due to a lack of demand. Movement restrictions have an immediate and direct influence on the market, and conditions are projected to improve with ease in restrictions.

Another issue is that global health services cannot treat medical diseases other than COVID-19, necessitating a transition from a patient-centered to a community-centered strategy.

Recent Developments

• January 2024- Stryker (NYSE: SYK), one of the world's leading medical technology firms, has updated its Gamma4 Hip Fracture Nailing System to include an intermediate nail, the RC Lag Screw, and an anti-rotation clip with sleeve components.
• October 2023- NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics introduced Precice Bone Transport in International Markets.
• March 2023- NuVasive, Inc. (NASDAQ: NUVA), a leader in spine technology innovation focused on transforming spine surgery with minimally disruptive, procedurally integrated solutions, today announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use its Precice all-internal limb lengthening solution on pediatric patients*.
• January 2024- Smith & Nephew completed the acquisition of innovative cartilage regeneration technologies for sports medicine knee repair.