Spine X-ray and Computed Tomography (CT) Market

Market Overview

The global spine x-ray and computed tomography (CT) market size was valued at USD 0.95 billion, and it is anticipated to reach USD 1.65 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.85%.

An X-ray is a diagnostic procedure employing radiation to obtain images of the skeleton and internal organs. Spine X-rays provide detailed images of the spine's bones and can be obtained independently for the three major sections of the spine: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back). All your inside organs and tissues are exposed to a concentrated radiation beam while a unique film or computer captures the black-and-white image.

CT refers to a computerised x-ray imaging technology in which a narrow beam of x-rays is rapidly spun around a patient's body, producing signals processed by the machine's computer to produce cross-sectional images or "slices." A doctor can get more information from tomographic images than standard x-rays since these slices are called tomographic images. A three-dimensional (3D) image of the patient can be created by digitally "stacking" successive slices gathered by the machine's computer. It enables a more straightforward identification of the patient's basic anatomy and any tumours or anomalies. 

End markets like hospitals, clinics, diagnostic imaging centres, and ambulatory surgical centres use X-ray and CT machines. Furthermore, the global spine X-ray and computed tomography (CT) market are expected to increase due to improvements in the medical imaging industry and the constant need to provide cost-effective, high-quality solutions in less time.

Market Dynamics

Global Spine X-ray and Computed Tomography (CT) Market Drivers

Growing Incidence of Spinal Injuries is the Primary Force Pushing Demand in the Market

One of the primary forces driving growth in the spinal CT market is the increasing prevalence of spinal injuries. In addition, because of their lesser bone density, the elderly population is at a greater risk of suffering from spinal injuries. Each year, somewhere between 250,000 and 500,000 people globally are affected by spinal cord injuries. The vast majority of these cases can be traced back to avoidable causes, including acts of violence and collisions with motor vehicles. There are around 17,000 new cases of spinal cord injury diagnosed each year in the United States, and it is estimated that approximately 282,000 people are living with SCI. Most patients diagnosed with a spinal cord injury due to a sports-related incident are male. Between the ages of 16 and 30, people are at the most significant risk of sustaining a spinal cord injury.

Technological advancements in radiodiagnosis are driving the market for spine X-rays and CT.

Radiodiagnosis is an essential part of medical science in a world where medicine is becoming more advanced and evidence-based. A diagnosis is made, minimally invasive procedures are performed, and research is carried out using radio waves. It is an essential service for the early diagnosis of a condition and guiding therapeutic procedures. All of these imaging methods have seen significant advancements in the last decade. Powerful yet inexpensive X-ray imaging has been utilised extensively in medical diagnostics and industrial non-destructive testing. Advances in non-invasive imaging have been made possible by X-rays' ability to permeate the body. As a result, high-performance X-ray detectors and their accompanying imaging applications have been developed unprecedentedly. These advancements are driving the market growth.

Global Spine X-ray and Computed Tomography (CT) Market Opportunities

High growth opportunities in emerging economies such as Asia-Pacific and, the Middle East & Africa

The global market for spine X-ray and computed tomography (CT) have enormous growth potential because of the high growth opportunities in emerging nations and the emergence of local companies in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.

Because the populations of emerging countries like China, India, Brazil, and Mexico have a high rate of spinal injuries and vertebral fractures, there is a tremendous opportunity for spine X-ray and CT equipment in these countries. Therefore, the rising incidence of spinal injuries is likely to lead to an increase in the number of X-ray and CT scans, ultimately leading to increased use of devices and the expansion of the global market.

Global Spine X-ray and Computed Tomography (CT) Market Restraints

The dangers of radiation exposure and the time taken to taking regulatory approvals are hindering the market growth

The potential dangers of radiation exposure and the time it takes to get regulatory approvals are two factors holding back expansion in the market for spine X-rays and computed tomography globally. The expansion of the industry is hampered by the fact that regulatory approval for the items is being held up because of the rigorous rules imposed by the government on utilising AI-enabled software in medical imaging.

The high cost typically connected with medical imaging is another issue that is a barrier to expanding the market for spine X-rays and computed tomography globally.

Regional Analysis

According to the region, the spine x-ray and computed tomography (CT) market share is divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa.

The Asia-Pacific region dominates the global market for spine X-rays and computed tomography. In addition, it is one of the profitable markets with tremendous potential for expansion for key competitors in the global spine X-ray and computed tomography market.

During the forecast period, the market for spine X-rays and computed tomography in Asia-Pacific is anticipated to expand at a higher rate than in any other region. It can be linked to the vast elderly population base, which is the primary factor for the rise in the number of X-ray and CT scans performed.

It is anticipated that North America will be the second most lucrative area for the global spine X-ray and computed tomography market. That is mainly attributable to the region's excellent healthcare infrastructure and its strong emphasis on research and development activities.

Segmental Analysis

The global spine x-ray and computed tomography (CT) market is divided into five parts: based on indication, patient type, end-user, product and region. Further, each segment is divided into sub-segments.  

According to indication, the global X-ray and computed tomography market for the spine have been divided into three distinct sections: spinal injuries, spinal cancers, and spinal fractures.

Spinal infections can damage the vertebral body, the intervertebral disc, or the paraspinal tissue and are typically caused by bacteria or fungus. Since various imaging modalities are required to diagnose spinal infections accurately, the occurrence of spinal injuries is driving the market's expansion.

According to patient type, the market is divided into adults, paediatrics & neonates. The adult segment holds the largest market share. In 2021, the adult population was the most important customer segment for spinal X-ray and CT services. That is a result of the elderly population having a decreased bone density, which leads to osteoporosis and, as a result, spinal compression fractures.

Based on end-user, the market is segmented into hospitals and clinics, diagnostic imaging centres, and ambulatory surgery centres. The hospitals & clinics segment dominates the market. Hospitals and clinics dominated the global spine X-ray and computed tomography (CT) industry. Countries with a large end-user population serve as the primary diagnostic site for spinal injuries. More ASCs are using X-rays and CT to provide tailored care to their patients and minimise their recovery time.

The global market for spine X-rays and CT has been segmented into X-ray devices, CT devices, and AI-enabled X-ray and CT software, based on product. As of 2021, the spine X-ray and computed tomography CT market was dominated by CT devices. They are helpful because CT scans may yield images that can be rearranged in several planes to create a three-dimensional view. A CT scanner can scan the entire spinal cord, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis than an X-ray.

Artificial intelligence (AI) in X-ray and CT software is also predicted to increase rapidly over the next few years. For this reason, there has been an increase in demand for cost-effective and quality solutions in a shorter period from the medical imaging business.AI breakthroughs have also significantly impacted CT diagnosis in the last few years. AI-based solutions are currently being used extensively to reduce backlogs and the physician's burden by interpreting and prioritising.

According to the region, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa. The Asia-Pacific dominates the global market for spine X-rays and CT.

Recent Developments

• April 2022, the nominees for the 2022 Medical Design Excellence Awards are three solutions from GE Healthcare. Among these three solutions, one is CT in a Box in the Radiological, Imaging, and Electromechanical Devices category.

• December 2022, Philips, a global leader in health technology, announced that Vesper Medical Inc., a US-based medical technology business that produces minimally-invasive peripheral vascular devices, has signed an agreement to be acquired by Philips.

• May 2022, the Xseeker 8000 is a brand-new Schimazdu product. The XSeeker 8000 benchtop X-ray computed tomography (CT) system includes a high-output X-ray generator and a high-resolution flat panel detector.
• In April 2022, GE Healthcare said it would launch the Revolution Aspire CT scanner, the next generation in India.