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Orthopaedic Implants Markets in Europe
Frost & Sullivan, Sep 2006
This research service seeks to forecast the orthopaedic implants market in Europe. It gives an insight into the market drivers, restraints and challenges facing the market. It also provides strategic recommendations and forecasts the market till 2012 for four segments of the implant market that include the hip implants, knee implants, spine implants and the upper extremities.
This Frost & Sullivan research service entitled European Markets for Orthopaedic Implants provides a detailed analysis of this market, examining the key challenges it faces, the major drivers and restraints likely to impact its growth, and the key geographic trends. It also provides strategic recommendations to market participants. In this research service, Frost & Sullivan’s expert analysts thoroughly examine the following market segments: hip implants, knee implants, spine implants, and extremities.
Market Sectors
Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:
- Hip implants
- Knee implants
- Spine implants
- Upper extremities implants
Technologies
The following technologies are covered in this research:
- Titanium alloys
- Ceramic implants
- Metal implants produced from nickel chromium alloys
- Nano-sized implants
Market Overview
Cost Pressures and Budgetary Restraints Pose Major Challenge to Manufacturers of Orthopaedic Implants
Valued at $2.48 billion in 2005, the European market for orthopaedic implants is expected to be worth $3.78 billion in 2012, with the spine segment set to enjoy the fastest growth. While the knee implants and upper extremity implants are expected to witness reasonably strong growth, the market for hip implants is facing maturity due to the lack of sustained technological innovation. However, this segment is likely to experience higher revenues as demand from the growing baby boomer population continues to increase. In fact, this demographic section is set to play a significant role in driving growth of the overall market, as it is prone to various musculoskeletal problems.
Currently, manufacturers face a major challenge in terms of healthcare budgetary constraints that are forcing them to reduce the price of implants. However, given the nature of fixed costs, this becomes a very difficult task. In order to minimise costs, therefore, manufacturers might resort to cutting down on other expenditure related to manufacturing and research and development, which could eventually affect the quality of the implant. With governments in Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and Greece imposing a price ceiling on implants, manufacturers are forced to maintain a particular price level, says the analyst of this research service. This is leading to a decline in prices by about 1 to 2 per cent every year.
Market Sees Continuous Technological Innovation
Despite facing strong cost pressures, manufacturers of orthopaedic implants continue to innovate and introduce enhanced products in the market. For instance, there have been considerable advances in implant materials to minimise the chances of implant rejection by the human body, which has been known to happen in some cases. Some of the major innovations include the use of titanium alloys and of ceramic implants, both of which have met with considerable success. Ceramic implants provide a smooth and abrasion-resistant surface, and have proved to be profitable for manufacturers.
There is also strong demand in the market for metal implants produced from nickel chromium alloys. Companies have also been experimenting with using calcium phosphate coating on titanium alloy implants, as they believe the microstructure of these coatings improves the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the implants. Moreover, manufacturers are increasingly focused on making implants with a longer life span and greater durability, and are utilising various advanced materials to enable this.
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