Orthopedic and Braces Supports Market

Market Overview

The global orthopedic and braces supports market size was valued at USD 3.50 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 5.21 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.54% during the forecast period (2023–2031). 

The growing incidence of orthopedic diseases is expected to drive market growth. Orthopedic braces and orthopedic supports are primarily intended to protect, soothe, support, and rectify wounds or improper alignment during rehabilitation and recovery. Orthopedic braces are used to treat musculoskeletal conditions. Orthopedic braces, including those related to injury rehabilitation and prevention, post-operative care, and osteoarthritis care, are utilized in the medical orthopedic field.

Orthopedic braces have multiple applications. They can be prescribed to prevent extremities, specific body segments, or joints from moving for a predetermined time. This can be crucial for facilitating proper healing and positioning of the affected body part. A trained physician can determine the optimal type of orthopedic brace for the patient and the type of fit, support, function, and level of protection or stabilization.

Market Dynamics

Global Orthopedic and Braces Supports Market Drivers

Increasing Prevalence of Orthopedic Diseases

The musculoskeletal system is affected by orthopedic diseases and injuries. This body's system includes muscles, nerves, joints, bones, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues. Chronic orthopedic disease or injury can Damage these tissues or structures. According to the WHO, about 1.71 billion people worldwide have musculoskeletal disorders. Back pain causes the greatest burden among musculoskeletal disorders, affecting 568 million people.

As per the Lancet Global Health, the global prevalence of knee osteoarthritis was 16.0% for subjects aged 15 years and older and 22.9% for subjects aged 40 years and older. Thus, with the aging population and associated lifestyle disease and obesity, orthopedic braces and supports are increasingly used to treat various orthopedic diseases and disorders like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporotic fractures, and carpal tunnel syndrome. These products provide better clinical efficacy and faster patient recovery than alternative therapies like analgesics. Such factors drive orthopedic and braces supports market growth.

Popularity of Online Channels for Orthopedic Braces

Buying an orthopedic brace online can save patients time looking for specific offers at local medical stores. Online medical shops are open almost 24 hours daily, so buyers can order anytime. With so many vendors selling products online, patients can compare braces and support prices and buy at competitive prices. This may not be possible because the local store must pay for various expenses such as store rent and maintenance. Another advantage of online shopping is that medical professionals are up-to-date on the market.

Local suppliers may sell and bluff old products, but they see, buy, and try all the new braces and supports online to provide better patient service and treatment. Some key players have their official online distributors that offer a comprehensive range of products at a competitive cost to medical professionals, clinics, hospitals, and patients. For instance, DJO (acquired by Colfax) has its official online distributor network, BetterBraces. Therefore, sales of orthopedic devices through e-commerce websites and standard channels and the availability of refunds for such products in mature markets have grown significantly.

Global Orthopedic and Braces Supports Market Restraint

Alternative Approaches Toward Pain Management

Musculoskeletal disorders and injuries are an "ignored burden" in developing countries. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders rises with age, but young people are also affected, often in the earliest years of employment. One significant factor leading to premature retirement is the occurrence of back discomfort.

Generally, people use medication and other methods to treat OA, decrease pain, and improve joint movement. People are less aware of the advanced approach to treating musculoskeletal disorders. Over-the-counter purchases are very common in the general population for any illness. Alternative approaches are thus limiting the growth of orthopedic braces and supports.

Global Orthopedic and Braces Supports Market Opportunities

Continuous Product Commercialization

The market leaders are developing innovations and launching innovative orthopedic braces and support. Companies have seen opportunities to improve spinal care by creating more comfortable braces that promote patient compliance and healing. Breg, a leader in orthopedics and billing services, announced the introduction of two new lines of spinal orthopedics, the Pinnacle and Ascend. Breg's exclusive 15 new products are designed to improve the care of patients with spinal injuries.

Additionally, Össur, a world leader in non-invasive orthopedics, announced the introduction of UnloaderOneX, the company's latest Unloader One knee orthotic device member. Likewise, DJO, the world's leading provider of medical technology, announced the new DonJoy XROM PostOp knee orthotic device. XROM helps the patient recover from ACL repair and other knee surgery. Manufacturers are launching new products in the orthopedic braces and support market. Similarly, market players are developing innovative products that qualify for reimbursement by the government and private insurance companies. These factors are continuously escalating the demand for braces and supports.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global orthopedic and braces supports market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global orthopedic and braces supports market shareholder and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 3.71% during the forecast period. The rising incidence of orthopedic diseases, accidental injuries, and the aging population are the main causes of this region's expansion. The availability of advanced braces and support developers, constant technological advancements, and growing adoption of technologically advanced braces and supports are accelerating market growth in the region. It is estimated that by 2060, there will be 95 million Americans aged 65 and above, up from 52 million in 2018. The percentage of people aged 65 years and above is expected to increase from 16% to 23% during the same period. The rising population is at a high risk of getting orthopedic diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, contributing to the market growth in the region.

Europe is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 3.89% over the forecast period. This region is expanding steadily due to the favorable patient demographic, the high awareness of advanced treatment options and technologically advanced non-invasive orthopedic disorder treatment, and the availability of reimbursements for treatments. MSDs are increasing drastically across European countries due to various risk factors, such as accidental injuries, an aging population, and obesity. The geriatric population aged 85 and over is projected to grow from 14 million to 19 million by 2021 and 40 million by 2050. The aging population in the region has contributed to the growth of orthopedic braces and support as the elderly population is at high risk of developing various diseases for surgical procedures.

In Asia-Pacific, the orthopedic and braces supports market is growing at a significant pace and is expected to grow at a faster rate during the forecast period. Some aspects contributing to this region's growth are a large patient population with various chronic conditions, improvements in healthcare infrastructure, and surged healthcare expenditure. The surging geriatric population and high prevalence of several acute and chronic disorders primarily due to a sedentary lifestyle are key factors driving the growth of the Asia-Pacific orthopedic braces and support market. In addition, public and private initiatives, particularly in emerging Asia-Pacific nations, have increased investments in R&D in the healthcare sector, improving the availability and accessibility of pharmaceutical and medical device products, including orthopedic braces and supports.

In Latin America, the increased prevalence of several physical disabilities conditions is associated with an aging population. It will likely offer growth opportunities in the Latin American orthopedic and braces supports market. The region represents a large area with about 8.5% of the global population, most in developing countries. In addition, the aging population is one of the key factors for various diseases. For instance, the population over 60 in Latin America numbered around 43 million in 2000 and is likely to reach around 100.5 million by 2025 and around 183.7 million by 2050. The aging population is at a high risk of developing orthopedic diseases, contributing to expanding the orthopedic braces and support market.

The Middle East and Africa contribute the lowest share in the global market. Turkey, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia are the major revenue contributors in this region for orthopedic braces and support. Straits Research estimates that the market in the Middle East and Africa is expanding at a slow rate compared to other areas due to the presence of a large, undertreated orthopedic patient population that requires advanced orthopedic braces and supports for various ailments, increase in government initiatives and healthcare funding, and enhancements in healthcare infrastructure.

Segmental Analysis

The global orthopedic and braces supports market is segmented by product, type, application, and distribution channel.

Based on product, the global market is bifurcated into KBS, FABS, SNHBS, and HBS. 

The KBS segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.46% over the forecast period. Osteoarthritis is a complex disease that affects the entire joint. The disease frequently affects one side of the knee more than the other. This uneven damage can cause the knee to align imperfectly, making it appear to be knocked or bent. This misalignment is exacerbated as the damage progresses. In addition, knee braces can relieve the most osteoarthritis-affected parts of the patient's joints and relieve pain. Although there are two main types of knee braces—functional and prophylactic—they are utilized for a variety of conditions and ailments. The functional knee device is designed to replace damaged ligaments and is ideal for patients with torn ACLs.

Based on type, the global market is segmented into soft and elastic, hard and rigid, and hinged. 

The soft and elastic segment owns the highest orthopedic and braces supports market share and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 4.60% during the forecast period. Soft and elastic braces and supports are made of soft materials such as cotton/elastic mix, canvas, and neoprene (synthetic flexible rubber). These braces and supports include lumbar straps and sacroiliac straps. Flexible lumbar braces are usually available in a variety of sizes and designs. Lumbar and sacroiliac braces are made of durable fabric with a slight restriction of movement and no struts. In addition, flexible braces and straps can help relieve back pain. Many leading and local players also offer soft and elastic orthopedic braces and supports, driving the market growth.

Based on application, the global market is divided into PCCT and TPOR. 

The TPOR segment is the most significant contributor to the market and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 4.42% over the forecast period. Medical devices called orthopedic braces are used to address musculoskeletal issues. During healing injuries and injuries, they are used to properly position, correct, support, stabilize, and protect certain body parts (especially muscles, joints, and bones). These orthopedic braces and supports are often prescribed to patients during treatment and post-operative rehabilitation. Patients are generally referred to an orthopedic specialist by their general physicians. Patients with injuries such as sprains, fractures, muscle tension, joint dislocations, and fractures can benefit from wearing orthopedic braces and supports.

Based on the distribution channel, the global market is divided into SOOC, hospital pharmacies, OPR, and e-commerce. 

The SOOC segment is the largest revenue contributor to the market and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.36% over the forecast period. Patients with suspected or diagnosed orthopedic diseases can receive specialized medical care at the specialty orthotic and orthopedic clinics (SOOC). These centers are solely devoted to treating patients with various orthopedic conditions, such as arrhythmia and structural heart diseases, and provide quality treatment. This is due to the ease of use of sophisticated infrastructure for diagnosing and treating MSDs in independent orthopedic centers instead of hospitals. A specialized center run by a physician with specific health condition expertise offers the possibility to design a utopian care environment for optimal care.

Recent Developments

• March 2023- Aspen Medical Products and NICE Recovery Systems revealed a strategic partnership to provide patients and medical professionals with more precise recovery and pain management solutions. The partnership combines NICE's sophisticated cold compression technology with Aspen's effective bracing solutions to provide patients recovering from surgery or injury with pain management and post-operative care.
• October 2022- Vissco, the foremost and most trusted manufacturer of Orthopedic, Mobility, and Medical devices in India, launched Vissco Next, its one-stop online platform for Health and Wellness, with over 500 products. The category of products includes Orthopedic Braces such as Back and Knee Supports, Pain Recovery Solutions such as Heating Mats and Cooling Gels, Mobility Solutions such as Walking Poles and wheelchairs, and much more.