Global Orthopedic Braces & Supports Market Outlook, 2028

Orthopaedic braces and supports are used to align, support, position, and protect certain body parts as they heal from injuries or trauma, such as ligament and ankle injury and replacement. Sports injuries such as hamstring strains, hairline fractures, ankle sprains, anterior cruciate ligament tears, and tennis elbow are also treated using these braces. They are also used to treat ageing disorders including osteoarthritis. They promote walking comfort by lowering discomfort, swelling, and inflammation, and assisting with limb movement. As a result, they enable walkers to move and work freely. The rising prevalence of orthopaedic illnesses, the use of braces and supports for injury prevention, and the rising number of accidents and sports-related injuries are propelling the orthopaedic braces and supports market forward. The increasing prevalence of orthopaedic diseases and disorders, on-going product commercialization, higher product affordability and market availability, and increased public awareness of preventative care are driving growth in the orthopaedic braces and supports market. Increased sales of off-the-shelf and online products, as well as major product manufacturers' expansion and promotion initiatives, are likely to create a wide range of growth prospects for market participants. Product and technology advancements, a growing geriatric population, the incidence of chronic and acute illnesses, and activities by big corporations are all driving market expansion. For example, BREG, Inc. launched the Pinnacle and Ascend lines of orthopaedic braces in February 2021, totalling 15 items for patients with spinal injuries. With this acquisition, the company expanded its product line to include walker boots, upper and lower extremity braces, and cold therapy devices. The ageing population is thought to be one of the biggest drivers of demand for orthopaedic braces and support. This demographic is predisposed to musculoskeletal diseases. Bones and connective tissues, such as ligaments and cartilages, deteriorate with age. This increases the chance of muscular injury, particularly in the elderly's knees and shoulders.

According to the research report, “Global Orthopedic Braces & Supports Market Outlook, 2028” the market is anticipated to cross USD 6400 Million, increasing from USD 4642.14 Million in 2022. The market is expected to grow with CAGR of 5.82% by 2023-28. The market for orthopaedic braces and support is vulnerable to fluctuations based on product acceptance rates and regulatory compliance, as well as macroeconomic and industry trends. Novel advancements in rehabilitative and functional orthopaedic braces, such as the recent invention of dynamic posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) knee braces, are among the market's main developments. The market is seeing a decrease in BPS values as a result of the current environment of lower adoption of orthopaedic braces and support goods. This is due to recorded examples of poor patient compliance caused by the product's weight, the appearance of skin irritation following product adoption, and the added cost of physical therapy following the regular treatment schedule. However, as 3D printing and manufacturing technologies advance, the development of personalised orthopaedic braces and support products will provide individual customization for the patient, increasing compliance and thus promoting treatment outcomes. Because of revolutionary advances in manufacturing and production, the market is expected to increase throughout the forecast period. Orthopaedic braces and supports are gaining traction in the clinical management of several orthopaedic disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), carpal tunnel syndrome, and osteoporotic fractures, due to their superior clinical efficacy and rapid recovery compared to conventional therapies such as pain medications. On the other hand, the limited patient qualification for bracing-mediated orthopaedic treatment, the lack of clinical evidence to support the therapeutic efficacy of orthopaedic braces, and the widespread use of pain medications are expected to limit market growth to some extent in the coming years.

Depending on geographic regions, global orthopedic braces & supports market is segmented into various key regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America and Middle East & Africa. Among them, North America held the largest market share followed by Europe and the Asia Pacific owing to favourable reimbursement and insurance coverage for major orthopaedic bracing procedures. Supportive government regulations for product commercialization, also act as a major factor driving the demand for orthotic devices orthotic splints and orthopedic braces and supports in North America. The developing nations in Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa hold huge demand for orthotic devices orthotic splints and orthopedic braces and supports, owing to developing economies and technological advances. Companies in Asia Pacific are focusing on augmenting the sales of orthotic devices orthotic splints and orthopedic braces and supports, diversifying their business operations, lowering costs, increasing user satisfaction reliability thereby expanding their orthotic devices orthotic splints and orthopedic braces and support market share. Based on the countries, United States is dominating the market in 2022 with over 25% market share. The orthopedic braces and supports market in United States is primarily driven by the sedentary habits and hectic lifestyles of the working population, resulting in the increasing instances of lower back pain among them. Along with this, manufacturers are launching new products, which are escalating the demand for braces and supports. For example, Breg Inc. launched a new product called the Ultra Aurora Ankle Brace, which combines the comfort of an ankle cuff with the stability and control of a rigid hinged footplate. DJO is the largest provider of orthopedic braces and supports through various brands from DonJoy, Aircast, ProCare, among others. Other significant players include Ossur, Bledsoe, Bird and Cronin, Breg, McDavid, Mueller, Hely and Weber, FLA Orthopedics and Otto Bock etc.

Based on the product type, the global market is segmented into knee braces and supports, ankle braces and supports, foot walkers and orthoses, hip, back, and spine braces and supports, shoulder braces and supports, elbow braces and supports, hand & wrist braces and supports and facial braces and supports. Among them, the knee braces and supports segment dominated the market in 2022, and is expected to continue this trend throughout the forecast period. This is attributed to the to the several benefits offered by these products, such as medial & lateral support, reduced rotation of the knee, limited injury during motion, and protection from the post-surgical risk of injury. Ankle and foot fractures are among the most diagnosed forms of trauma, which are managed by orthopedic teams globally. The long-term effects are significantly characterized by pain and disability, physical, psychological, and social factors into consideration. Stress fractures caused due to overuse and repetitive activity in the ankles and feet are very common among athletes. Hence, they increase the use of these ankle and foot braces, boosting the growth of the segment, which positively affects the market growth. The increasing efforts undertaken by major market players to develop technologically advanced products may contribute to the market’s growth. For instance, in July 2020, Thuasne launched ActionReliever, an arthritis knee brace. It is a cost-effective solution that can bridge or delay surgery for patients with non-compartmental knee arthritis. Additionally, in June 2020, DJO introduced the new DonJoy X-ROM Post-Op Knee Brace, which helps patients recover from Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) repair and other knee surgeries with improved confidence, comfort, and stability. In December 2020, a new ankle brace, the Ankle Defence, with an enhanced level of support, was launched by Thermoskin, a leading brand in injury prevention and rehabilitation support in Australia. However, the hip, back, and spine supports segment is expected to grow at a highest CAGR during the forecast period. Hip and knee braces, also known as orthoses, are frequently used to give support following surgery and minimize or lessen severity of injuries. Stabilization, immobilization, mechanical adjustment, and rehabilitation are all possible with braces. In addition, back supports aid in spinal decompression, lowering the load on spinal components. Moreover, back braces even provide proprioceptive feedback, which encourages people to improve their posture and adopt good body mechanics. Customized hip braces are also worn during jogging and exercising to provide compression to injured or strained hip flexor muscles or alleviates sciatica discomfort.

Top manufacturers of orthopedic braces and supports are increasingly focusing on designing braces in orthopedics in line with smart technology. Some of the recently launched orthopedic products equipped with smart technology include step smart braces, smart AFO braces, and smart spine braces. Companies operating in this industry are focusing on product innovation and developments to gain a competitive edge over other market players. To gain traction in the global market, companies are manufacturing smart braces with features that enable the skin to breathe and avoid developing bad smells. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting anatomical modelling software applications and hypoallergenic materials for enhanced accuracy and efficiency in designing the product. As these devices are lightweight and water resistant, the demand for hip, back, & spine braces and supports, lower spine braces and supports, and shoulder braces and supports is likely to increase in the healthcare industry. While conventional knee braces are widely used and have a well-established role as injury and illness prevention and management devices, such as orthopedic braces and supports, primarily serve duties of providing lateral stability or correcting alignment of knee joint components. Idea of going beyond structural support or alignment correction to improve muscle power in legs has become much more tangible as technology has improved. As a result, major companies are recently developing orthopedic braces using assistive device and exoskeleton technologies to not only help people with movement disabilities, but also to promote healthy knee function, skills, and reduce fatigue. For instance, on 28 April 2021, Roam Robotics, the company improving human mobility with wearable robotics, announced that pre-orders for Ascend, a first-of-its-kind smart knee orthosis that helps wearers minimize knee discomfort and improve mobility. Ascend's technology is actively adaptive, which means it detects body movement, automatically changes to wearer's needs and delivers precise support for specific muscle groups at the proper time. It is a Class I FDA-registered product that will be offered for direct purchase and supported by commercial and medicare insurance, significantly expanding public access to wearable robotic technologies.

Furthermore, another key contributor in the growing demand for orthopedic braces and supports is the rising prevalence of neuromuscular disorders. There has been an increase in the number of people living with some form of disability, many of which include complications associated with neuromuscular disorders and need orthopedic braces and support systems to carry on their day to day activity. According to the WHO, in 2020, over one million people were living with some form of disability. Neuromuscular diseases majorly result in bone pains, dislocation, and render patients with weak muscles incapacitated to support themselves. These can drastically affect the quality of life of patients, where in orthopedic braces and support systems are employed to offer relief and support to patients. Based on type, the global market is segmented into soft & elastic braces and supports, hard braces and supports, and hinged braces and supports. The soft & elastic braces and supports segment is expected to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period. Growth in this market can primarily be attributed to the growing availability of advanced products, increasing adoption & patient preference for orthopedic braces in post-operative & preventive care, and the supportive reimbursement scenario for target products across mature markets. However, the hinged braces and supports segment is expected to grow at a robust CAGR during the forecast period. Hinged knee supports, which integrate benefits of a sleeve with stability of a rigid splint, are useful in treating knee injuries. These brace supports might be as simple as two hinged splints that strap over knee, or they can be combined into a sleeve with range-limiting choices and adjustable straps. These hinged splints are frequently made of plastic or metal and best coated in cloth for comfort and durability. In addition, hinged knee brace stabilizes knee joint and prevents bones from moving excessively. It can reduce the strain on four major ligaments of the knee and may restrict range of motion and is often used to treat knee tears.

Based on application, the global orthopedic braces & supports Market is segmented into preventive care, ligament injury, post-operative rehabilitation, osteoarthritis, compression therapy and other applications such as osteoporosis, paget’s disease, spinal degeneration, and diabetes-related clinical conditions. The ligament injury segment is expected to account for the largest share of the global orthopedic braces & supports market in 2022. The higher market growth is attributed to the increase in sports injuries, high adoption of braces during excise sessions to prevent ligament injuries, and increased accidents leading to ligament fractures. Ligament injuries are among the most frequent causes of musculoskeletal joint discomfort and dysfunction. They destroy the equilibrium between a joint's mobility and stability, resulting in aberrant force transmission throughout the joint and harming nearby structures. The most prevalent joint condition worldwide is still osteoarthritis, the long-term result of a ligament injury that has not healed. The acute inflammatory phase, the proliferative or regenerative phase, and the tissue remodelling phase are the three sequential phases that constitute the healing process of ligaments. Despite advancements in medicine, the entire process might take months, and many ligaments never fully recover their usual tensile strength. Among the ligament injury sub segment, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury is dominating the market in 2022 with over 50% market share. On the other hand, the osteoarthritis segment is expected to account for a significantly fast revenue growth rate during the forecast period. Orthopedic braces and supports for pain management and joint stabilization are in rising demand as osteoarthritis is becoming more common, especially among the elderly population. Also, the availability of customizable braces and supports that are adapted to each patient's unique demands has contributed to the segment revenue growth. The preventive care segment is related to rising OTC bracing product availability for ambulatory procedures and increased public engagement in sports. The significant increase is attributable to rising public knowledge of health issues and the quicker and dependable availability of over-the-counter braces. This is mainly brought about by an increase in musculoskeletal injuries and the expanding use of over-the-counter braces and other preventive care goods. Additionally, fractures from sports-related injuries or accident cases fuel the growth of this market by causing back, hip, hand, and ankle injuries.

Based on the distribution channel, the orthopedic braces and supports market is classified into hospitals and surgical centres, orthopedic clinics, pharmacies & retailers, e-commerce platforms and other end users such as physiotherapy centers, government regulatory organizations, academic institutes and CROS, among others. Hospitals & surgical centers are expected to be the largest distribution channel segment in the orthopedic braces and supports market in 2022. Market growth can largely be attributed to the growing number of orthopedic surgical procedures that require post-operative patient rehabilitation and the favourable reimbursement for customized braces and supports (coupled with the growing availability of insurance coverage for the surgical treatment of orthopedic disorders such as ligament injury, bone deformity, scoliosis, and osteoporosis) across major countries. The E-Commerce platforms segment is expected to grow at a steady CAGR during the forecast period. Consumers are preferring e-commerce websites to purchase from a large selection of options and take advantage offers and discounts to avoid the inconvenience of physical shopping. E-commerce is changing the way that people buy and sell orthopedic products, including knee and hip braces and supports. E-Commerce websites have several benefits over other types of sales channels, in terms of product accessibility, affordability, transportation patterns, and many other important elements. Furthermore, majority of clients prefer to purchase online, due to lower pricing offered compared to other merchants and physical stores. However, speedy delivery, an easy ordering process, and lower transaction and product costs are other factors driving growth of this segment.

Recent Developments:

• On 1 July 2022, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., a global leader in musculoskeletal healthcare, announced collaboration with OSSIS to serve as sole Asia Pacific distributor for its patient-specific 3D printed titanium hip replacement joints. OSSIS, situated in New Zealand, specializes in complicated hip replacements, such as secondtime hip replacements and procedures requiring bone tumors and trauma. This collaboration will enable Zimmer Biomet to offer patient-specific implants designed with a combination of clinical and engineering expertise to wide network of orthopedic specialists.
• On August 30, 2021, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., a medical device company, and Canary Medical, a medical data company jointly announced that they have received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) De Novo classification grant and authorization to market the tibial extension for Persona IQ, the world's first smart knee cleared by the FDA for total knee replacement surgery.
• On 1 February 2021, Breg, Inc., a leading orthopedic bracing and billing services provider, announced the introduction of two new spinal orthosis lines, Pinnacle and AscendTM. Breg's 15 new solutions will improve care for individuals suffering from spinal injuries. Breg will also upgrade spine treatment by creating more comfortable braces that encourage patient compliance and healing, as well as including form-fitting, molded components that address some of the most common issues patients with standard spinal orthoses.
• In September 2021, Ossur, a global innovator in prosthetic and non-invasive orthopedic technologies, launched the new Rebound Post-Op Elbow Brace, a non-invasive, lightweight, adjustable brace designed to provide elbow immobilization and range-of-motion restriction for patients with a variety of conditions, including chronic elbow injuries and tennis elbow release.
• In August 2021, OPUM and Thuasne Group signed a partnership on a digital solution for the non-invasive, non-pharmacological treatment of osteoarthritis. With this partnership, Thuasne Group will harness the power of its flagship Rebel Reliever OA knee brace and its trusted Townsend Motion hinge.

Covid-19 Impacts:

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was declared in March 2020, resulting in a global economic and social crisis. The epidemic quickly crossed boundaries and nations, spreading across the world. Non-pharmaceutical interventions such as social distancing, facial masks, hand washing, and sanitizer were the best possible alternative for disease prevention. During this time, hospitals and healthcare facilities saw the most adjustments. Orthopedic braces are devices that support and strengthen the muscles and joints of the leg, back, ankle, spine, shoulder, elbow, hand, and fingers. These braces are intended to offer muscular power and protection to relieve discomfort caused by sprains, strains, and other musculoskeletal disorders. The recent global COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted the OTC orthopedic braces industry, resulting in short-term negative development due to causes such as a significant decrease in elective surgery and a ban on organized sports. In addition, restricted access to hospitals, social distancing, community lockdowns, fewer trauma and workplace incidents, and a slowdown in patient traffic and referrals have impacted market development. However, as respective governing authorities begin to lift these enforced lockdowns, the global market is expected to recover accordingly.

Major Companies present in the market:

Stryker corporation, Johnson & Johnson (DePuy Synthes), Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., Medtronic, Smith & Nephew plc, Enovis, NuVasive, Inc., Globus Medical, Inc., Beijing Naton Technology Group Co.,Ltd., Orthofix, Essity AB, Arthrex, Inc., Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd, Conmed Corporation, Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA, Microport , Medacta International, Lima corporate, Camber spine, Bioventus

Considered in this report

• Geography: Global
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Global Orthopedic Braces & Supports market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Region-wise Orthopedic Braces & Supports market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Regions & Countries covered in the report:

• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Russia)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea)
• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)
• Middle-East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa)

By Product

• Knee Braces and Supports
• Ankle Braces and Supports
• Foot Walkers and Orthoses
• Hip, Back, And Spine Braces and Supports
• Shoulder Braces and Supports
• Elbow Braces and Supports
• Hand & Wrist Braces and Supports
• Facial Braces and Supports

By Type

• Soft & Elastic Braces and Supports
• Hard Braces and Supports
• Hinged Braces and Supports

By Application

• Preventive Care
• Ligament Injury
• Post-operative Rehabilitation
• Osteoarthritis
• Compression Therapy
• Other Applications

By Distribution Channel

• Hospitals and Surgical Centres
• Orthopedic Clinics
• Pharmacies & Retailers
• E-commerce platforms
• Other End Users

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; the author has started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Artificial Lawn industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.


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