Orthopedic Braces And Supports Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Products (Braces & Supports Type, Pain Management Products), By End User, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview 

The global orthopedic braces and supports market size was valued at USD 4.24 billion in 2022 and is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2023 to 2030. Increasing product and technological developments, geriatric population, the prevalence of chronic and acute conditions, and initiatives by major companies are some of the key drivers of this market. For instance, in February 2021, BREG, Inc. launched Pinnacle and Ascend lines of orthopedic braces comprising of 15 products for patients with spinal injuries. With this, the company expanded its portfolio in manufacturing every major orthopedic bracing category, including walker boots, upper and lower extremity braces, and cold therapy devices.

The COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted the orthopedic braces and supports market in 2020 with low demand and sales. The bracing & support market is largely driven by surgeries, injuries, and access to physicians- all of which were affected by the pandemic and the associated measures. The market gradually recovered by the end of 2021 as patient visits resumed and surgery volumes went up.

Clinicians also noted that many people suffered from the effects of detraining when physical activities resumed after the lifting of lockdown restrictions. These included reduced neuromuscular capability, muscle mass and diminished speed, flexibility, and strength, plus endurance, thus increasing the risk of injury. Factors unrelated to the pandemic also presented challenges for the market stakeholders. For example, competitive bidding for off-the-shelf spinal and back braces came into effect in January 2021 in the U.S. This is expected to increase pressure on pricing for certain products.

Increasing amateur sports and activity levels, the geriatric population in key markets across the globe, number of elective orthopedic surgeries e.g., knee replacement is anticipated to drive the demand for high-end products such as the Unloaded OA bracing products and postoperative bracing solutions. Rising incidences of osteoarthritis are a leading orthopedic condition impacting product demand. It is the most common form of arthritis affecting populations of all ages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that nearly 78 million U.S. adults above 18 years of age are anticipated to be diagnosed with arthritis by 2040.

The geriatric population is considered as one of the highest contributors to the demand for orthopedic braces and support. This population is highly susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders. Bones and connecting tissues, such as ligaments and cartilages, naturally weaken with growing age. This poses a high risk for muscle injury mainly in the knees and shoulders of the elderly.

This further stiffens the joints, which raises the need for braces and supports to improve mobility. ACL sprains and tears are the other commonly affecting conditions affecting people involved in high-demand activities such as football, gymnastics, soccer, downhill skiing, and basketball. As movement restrictions were eased, injuries due to the potential impact of detraining emerged as a key contributing factor to ACL injuries.

Products in the medical devices industry are subject to pricing pressures, controls, or any other price restrictions globally. Pricing may alter owing to the direct intervention of a country’s government in establishing prices. For instance, competitive bidding for off-the-shelf spinal and back braces came into effect in January 2021 in the U.S. This is expected to increase pressure on pricing for certain products. Likewise, in February 2020, the Indian Government gazette a notice that brought all medical devices and medical equipment sold in the country under the existing quality and safety regulatory framework by declaring them as “drugs”.

Sports-related injuries are raising with the growing number of sports activities. Athletes are focused on fitness-related activities such as running, cycling, and others. While gaining health benefits through such activities, they are likely to sustain injuries, which can further lead to ligament injury. Indoor athletes are at high risk for ankle ligament tear. Hence, they are expected to generate substantial demand for ankle braces. In addition, ankle braces are recommended post an acute ankle sprain. Athletes also use orthopedic braces to protect themselves from further injury during sports activities. It helps them restrict unwanted movement during matches, thereby, facilitating a convenient play. 

Product Insights

Based on the products, the braces & supports type segment held the largest market revenue share 74.8 in 2022 owing to a rise in injuries and orthopedic disorders, such as arthritis. Braces & supports type segment is further segmented into the knee, ankle, back, upper extremity braces and supports, and walking boots. The rising prevalence of knee, ankle, and upper extremity-related disorders and injuries has led to a huge demand for these products.

In 2021, pain management products held a significant market share due to the growing prevalence of pain-related disorders and demand for the treatment of chronic back and joint pain. This segment is sub-divided into cold therapy and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) products.

Knee braces and supports held the largest revenue share in 2021, owing to a rising number of the target population affected by knee joint-related ailments. Knee braces help in pressure relief from knee joints affected by arthritis. These products are majorly used by individuals suffering from arthritis and other joint-related disorders, sports players, and patients who have undergone knee surgery.

Walking boots are recommended by the doctors for stabilization of fractures, sprains, ligament injuries, or tendon tears in the foot or ankle region. However, its limited usage has led to the low revenue generation of this segment. Walking boots are further segmented into pneumatic and non-pneumatic boots.

End-User Insights

Based on end-use, the orthopedic braces and support systems market is classified into orthopedic clinics, hospitals, Over-the-Counter (OTC), DME Dealers, and other facilities. In 2022, orthopedic clinics held the largest market share of more than  29.8%. This is due to the orthopedic clinics being the primary point of care for patients suffering from musculoskeletal pain. Hospitals held a significant market share owing to a large number of patients seeking treatment at hospitals, especially in case of traumatic injuries. These may range from spinal injuries, bone fractures, and injuries suffered in road accidents.

OTC-related orthopedic braces are projected to exhibit lucrative growth during the forecast period due to the easy availability of these products in retail pharmacies. Patients with acute muscle pain prefer availing products OTC. These products reduce the recovery time and facilitate rapid treatment for the damaged parts of muscles and joints. Initiatives by key companies are estimated to propel market growth. To distribute its product lines within the country, companies partnered with Club Warehouse in Australia, in February 2021. 

This enabled the company to offer its portfolio to various orthopedic practices and sports organizations including the National Rugby League (NRL), Australian Football League (AFL), and Rugby Union Clubs.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the global orthopedic braces and supports market in 2022 with a revenue share of 34.1%. It held a large share of the North American region due to the presence of key players and technologically equipped hospitals within the U.S. and Canada. Europe held the second-largest share of the market due to an aging population and prevalence of chronic conditions resulting in an increasing number of surgeries.

As stated by the Federal Statistical Office almost 17. 2 million surgeries were performed in Germany in 2019. Out of these, intestinal, spinal, endoscopic surgeries, and hip implant surgeries were some of the most common. This is estimated to contribute to the region's share.

Asia Pacific is estimated to expand at the fastest CAGR of more than 7.9% during the next few years. This is owing to investments by the companies to expand their regional presence and develop healthcare infrastructure. For example, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhubaneswar India, procured Medtronic accessories and consumables for cautery machine with vessel sealing in January 2021 through the company’s authorized representative in the country- Sushruta Surgicals Pvt. Ltd. The products were intended to equip the institute’s Department of Surgical Oncology.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The orthopedic braces and support markets are competitive. Major market players are deploying strategic initiatives, such as the expansion of the distribution network, product development, partnerships, sales & marketing activities, and others. For instance, in September 2021, Össur launched the REBOUND ACL brace thus expanding its portfolio. The product is indicated to help patients recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Otto Bock is another leading market player that offers an extensive portfolio of braces and supports for spine, knee, shoulder, foot & ankle, hip, and elbow /wrist/ hand.

In June 2021, TayCo Brace- a medical device start-up specializing in ankle braces for injury recovery, received USD 1.2 million in funding from multiple investors. The company’s customer base includes over 65 NCAA teams, medical providers in 47 states, 17 NFL teams, and several medical centers. Some of the key players in the global orthopedic braces and supports market include:

• Össur

• BREG, Inc.

• DeRoyal Industries, Inc.

• Bauerfeind

• DJO Global, Inc.

• Otto Bock

• Fillauer LLC

• Frank Stubbs Company Inc.

• McDavid

• Hely & Weber 

Recent Developments

• In April 2023, DJO Global Inc., currently known as Envois^TM, expanded its ankle and foot portfolio with knotless syndesmotic repair system by launching Enofix^TM with Costrictor® technology. This technology is useful in stabilizing syndesmosis, thus an effective contribution in the field of orthopedic braces and supports

• In March 2023, BREG Inc. partnered with HealthMe to introduce patient direct-pay solution for products related to orthopedic cold therapy. The purpose is to digitize and modernize the orthopedic braces and supports sector by offering patients to access the required equipment

Orthopedic Braces And Supports Market Report Scope 

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at the regional & country level and provides an analysis of the latest trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For this report, Grand View Research has segmented the global orthopedic braces and supports market based on the product, end-user, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Braces & Supports Type

    • Knee Braces & Supports

      • Knee Braces for Osteoarthritis and Ligament Injuries

      • Post-operational Knee Braces

    • Back Braces & Supports

      • Upper Spine Orthoses

      • TLSOs

      • LSOs

      • Others

    • Ankle Braces & Supports

      • Soft Braces

      • Hinged Braces

    • Walker Boots

      • Pneumatic

      • Non-pneumatic

    • Upper Extremity Braces & Supports

      • Elbow Braces & Supports

      • Wrist Braces & Supports

      • Others

    • Others

  • Pain Management Products

    • Cold Therapy Products

    • DVT Products

• End-user Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Orthopedic Clinics

  • Over the Counter (OTC)

  • Hospitals

  • DME DealersOthers

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Norway

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Australia

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • MEA

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait