Medical Screws and Plates Market

Market Overview

The global medical screws and plates market size was valued at USD 1,435.2 million in 2023. It is expected to reach USD 2,572.7 million 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, end-user, type, and region

The market is further segmented by material into stainless Steel, titanium, and nickel oxide.

Stainless Steel occupies the maximum share of the market. Stainless Steel is a popular material for medical screws and plates due to its strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. Stainless Steel is primarily composed of iron, chromium, nickel, and other alloying elements, and it has good mechanical qualities, making it suited for orthopedic applications. Its tensile strength and corrosion resistance make it an excellent choice for implants requiring structural solid support. While stainless steel implants have a proven track record, advances in materials have led to investigating alternatives such as titanium and nitinol, which may provide distinct benefits, such as lower weight and improved biocompatibility.

Titanium is a lightweight, biocompatible metal commonly used in the manufacture of medical screws and plates. Its low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, and superior corrosion resistance make it a desirable material for orthopedic implants. Titanium implants are well-known for their ability to integrate well with the human body, lowering the possibility of unwanted effects. Furthermore, titanium's radiopacity enables good imaging during postoperative examinations. The material's bioinert characteristic prevents it from interacting with bodily fluids, resulting in long-lasting stability. Titanium implants are frequently used for their better biocompatibility, particularly in applications requiring low weight and minimal interference with medical imaging.

Based on end-users, the market is fragmented into Hospitals and Clinics, Orthopedic Clinics, and Ambulatory Surgical Centers. 

Hospitals and Clinics command the largest revenue share. Hospitals and clinics are key end users of medical screws and plates, with an essential role in orthopedic procedures and postoperative care. These institutes have extensive facilities, trained medical experts, and advanced diagnostic technologies, making them ideal for various orthopedic operations. Hospitals, being more extensive healthcare facilities, treat a wide range of situations, including trauma-related surgeries, joint replacements, and spinal procedures that may necessitate the use of medical screws and plates. The availability of interdisciplinary teams and advanced imaging technologies in hospitals helps their status as end users of orthopedic implants.

Orthopedic clinics specialize in musculoskeletal health and are committed to diagnosing, treating, and managing orthopedic problems. These clinics frequently treat patients with musculoskeletal ailments, including fractures, sports injuries, and chronic orthopedic conditions. Outpatient orthopedic clinics may use medical screws and plates for minor operations, fracture fixations, and arthroscopic procedures. These clinics offer specialist care, giving orthopedic patients more customized attention. The concentrated character of orthopedic clinics allows for effective handling of orthopedic problems, which contributes to their role as end users in the medical screws and plates industry.

The market can be bifurcated by type into Upper Extremity and Lower Extremity.

Lower Extremity holds a significant market share. The lower extremities portion includes orthopedic implants for surgical procedures on the legs, knees, ankles, and feet. Medical screws and plates in the lower extremities category are critical in treating fractures, joint problems, and degenerative conditions of the lower limbs. Lower extremity implant surgical operations may involve fracture fixations, joint reconstructions, and interventions for tibial fractures, femoral fractures, or ankle injuries. These implants are designed to offer stability and support to the bones and joints of the lower limbs, allowing patients to regain mobility and function. The variety of implants within the lower extremities section reflects the wide range of orthopedic disorders affecting the legs and foot.

The upper extremity section of the medical screws and plates market focuses on orthopedic implants used for surgical procedures on the arms, shoulders, and hands. This comprises fractures, dislocations, and degenerative diseases of the upper limbs. Upper extremity medical screws and plates are designed to stabilize and support the bones and joints of the arms, allowing for appropriate healing and restoring functionality. Upper extremity implants may be used in surgical procedures to treat humerus, radius, or ulna fractures and shoulder and hand surgery. The adaptability of upper extremity implants enables orthopedic surgeons to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders in this anatomical location.

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.