An Increase in Musculoskeletal Conditions and Technological Advancements Results in the Growing Demand for Orthopedic Braces and Supports

The orthopedic braces and supports market is driven by the rise in musculoskeletal conditions. The limitations in movement and immobility caused by these diseases affect the ability of patients to work and socialize, making orthopedic braces and support a necessity for them. As people perform work, requiring long hours of sitting, the issues with back pain are increasing, for this reason, becoming the main contributor to the sale of orthopedic belts and wraps. Healthcare practitioners suggest braces and supports for effective prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. The survey conducted in the United States says that 99% of 3,410 orthopedic surgeons suggest spinal orthoses for orthopedic diseases of the spine. Though there is no strong scientific evidence of the clinical effectiveness of lumbosacral braces and supports, there is documented acceptance by patients and improvements in symptoms in 30%-80% of the cases.

The growing number of the aging population boosts the number of orthopedic surgeries year by year. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons estimated that by the year 2030, there will be a total knee replacement and total hip replacement procedures performed by 7.7 million, and 3.8 million, respectively in the United States alone. The backlog effect will drive the market in subsequent years and for every year it will grow by 12-15%. This will be because of clearing the backlog and the demand sustained by the aging population. The demand for orthopedic support increased because of the requirement for braces and support after surgery recovery as they provide specialized care to the affected area by immobilizing it and promoting proper healing.

Technological advancements in orthopedic braces and supports offer comfort to patients. Researchers are testing new materials and processes in the production of these devices by using 3D technology to produce orthopedic devices to make them convenient and comfortable to use. 3D technology offers customization for these devices according to the patient's needs and preferences. The devices made using 3D technology are lighter and water resistant, allowing patients to swim and bathe while wearing them. Also, 3D technology offers cost-effective devices, as the materials used in this technology are economical. Using smart materials such as memory-shaping alloys provides comfort and support to the patients depending on the temperature and movement changes. These technological advancements make orthopedic braces and support more convenient. 
 
Orthopedic Braces & Supports Market Report

Emerging Telehealth Platforms and Personalization Offers the Robust Opportunity for Orthopedic Braces & Supports Market

Telehealth platforms are emerging opportunities as orthopedic consultations and device recommendations are convenient by allowing patients to access orthopedic advice remotely and obtain prescriptions for orthopedic braces and supports. This will improve access to expertise in underserved areas and expand the market’s reach to give personalized solutions that will give a good opportunity to this market such as 3D printing enabling custom-fit orthopedic devices made for the individual needs of the patient.

The wide range of devices available online gives convenient options to consumers so that they can buy these products in the comfort of their homes while providing a variety of products and brands. As there is a rise in sports activities, the injuries associated with these activities are increasing. Athletes are susceptible to injuries while playing sports such as running and cycling which include ligament injuries. The ligament injuries lead to a high demand for ankle braces making them essential for recovery.

Recent Trends in the Orthopedic Braces & Supports Industry

  • The rise in the popularity of athletic activities is giving rise to the market
  • Increasing demand for preventative braces is boosting the market growth of the orthopedic supports market
  • New advancements like 3D printing technology make it customizable and comfortable to use
  • Availability of various products on e-commerce platforms offers convenient option for shopping
  • Rising preferences for non-invasive treatment options instead of surgical interventions
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Low Awareness and Increasing Preference Towards Painkillers is Shifting the Demand

The market's growth rate will be hindered by the minimum patient qualification for orthopedic therapy and the limited clinical indications related to the therapeutic efficacy of orthopedic braces. The applied physical force can make the injury worse, as the strain on muscles increases, making it impermissible for obese people. The market may be further challenged by consumers' increasing preference for pain drugs and medications. For many conditions like tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and osteoarthritis, oral drugs are preferred for treatment. As painkillers give instant relief, more patients are relying on painkillers for orthopedic issues instead of the right treatment with braces. The affordability and convenience of painkillers make them a better option than braces and supports for patients with acute pain.

The market's expansion may be hampered by the strict regulatory environment and the use of alternative medicines for injury treatment and recovery. The market is expected to face challenges because of the substantial customs duties imposed on medical equipment, the absence of appropriate infrastructure in low- and middle-income nations, the lack of advantageous reimbursement scenarios, and technological penetration in developing economies. The low awareness and misconception about the effectiveness of the treatments with bracing hinder the growth of the market. Bracing gives support and helps patients after the surgery which makes it essential for fast recovery. However, consumers prefer bandages that are cheaper, give temporary relief, and are suitable for minor injuries. Bandages are easily available in pharmacies, making them accessible and cost-effective for the major population.

Innovative Product Launches and Tactical Merges Offer Diverse Orthopedic Braces and Supports for Customers

The creation of cutting-edge knee braces marks a major breakthrough in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint condition that greatly affects a person's mobility and overall life quality, as it offers a practical alternative to conventional treatment methods, like medications and surgeries, by presenting a non-invasive option that successfully alleviates pain. For instance, in Jan 2024, Enovis Corporation a leading medical technology company with a focus on orthopedics announced that its DJO LLC subsidiary launched DonJoy ROAM OA knee brace. ROAM OA knee brace shifts the weight from the injured and affected knee area to relieve pain give stability and allow mobility in the affected area. It is designed for the preparation of surgery and postoperative knee care, protection, and to improve mobility.

The healthcare sector is progressively looking for creative strategies to enhance efficiency and lessen administrative pressures. In the field of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and orthotics, there is a notable market demand for optimized workflows and lower operational expenses. For instance, in August 2024, Ossur launched EmpowerX, which is an AI-based DME (durable medical equipment) and orthotics workflow management system for US-based orthopedic clinics and hospital systems. Ossur claims that EmpowerX improves patient care, streamlines processes, and lowers errors in patient records. In particular, the system automates inventory control, purchase order management, product procurement, and the bracing and support dispensing procedure. The system also covers Medicare Advanced Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage requirements, manages insurance verification, and automatically performs same-or-similar checks.

The orthopedic braces and supports industry is expanding with innovations and advancing technologies. For instance, in November 2024, OrthoPediatrics Corp., a company dedicated solely to pediatric orthopedics advancements, expanded its specialty bracing portfolio with DF2 Braces. The announcement of updates includes expanded indications for use, added sizing options, and additional international markets. The DF2 Brace is an alternative to the traditional spica casting and is seeing strong adoption in the U.S. It is being used for post-operative recovery and the fixation of the thigh bone. The brace also offers various sizing options according to the broader patient population. The DF2 brace was launched and is available in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific markets. Recent acquisitions in orthopedic devices are expanding the reach to patients and hospitals.

Acquisitions in the orthopedic braces and supports sector provide numerous strategic benefits. Broadening market presence in new areas, especially those with considerable growth prospects, is a key motivator. For instance, in May 2024 Thuasne acquired a U.S.-based company Corflex Global, which specializes in orthopedic bracing to expand its global portfolio and strengthen the market in the U.S. This acquisition enabled Thuasne to capitalize on complementary channel coverage which enhances efficiency and customer outreach. This acquisition will focus on serving proven medical solutions, providing differentiated and innovative products, scaling production, and expanding the portfolio. Overall, these strategic partnerships increase customer outreach, drive sales, and provide to the diverse needs of consumers using innovations, while strengthening the orthopedic braces and supports market. 
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Rise in Musculoskeletal Disorders and Road Injuries Drive the Global Market of Orthopedic Braces and Supports

The highest orthopedic braces and supports market share in the world is in North America owing to the geriatric population of the region, which is aging, making orthopedic disorders more prevalent, and rising sports and traffic injuries. GJEL released data in 2024 which stated that basketball is the high-risk sport in America, causing over 200,000 injuries each year as basketball, American Football, soccer, baseball, and boxing rank as the top five most hazardous sports in the U.S., resulting in 2,823, 1,719, 1,289, 347, and 247 injuries respectively. Additionally, road accidents in the United States are increasing. Based on the information concerning the NHTCA, in 2022, 289,310 individuals sustained injuries in the accidents. The demand for orthopedic braces and supports is increasing in this region for recovery after injuries and surgeries. Moreover, the well-established healthcare systems are propelling the market in this region.

The rising cases of orthopedic diseases make Europe the second-largest market for orthopedic braces and supports, impacting every sector and category of employees. European workers have many occupational diseases but musculoskeletal diseases are the most common. A Europe-wide survey revealed that 46% of workers in Europe experienced back pain, while 43% reported discomfort in their shoulder and neck muscles. Numerous employees cannot perform specific duties and must retire prematurely because of these conditions. It is estimated that 2% GDP of Europe accounts for the cost of musculoskeletal diseases. Additionally, the growing senior demographic is benefiting the market in this area. Women particularly have low bone density and are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis, resulting in the dominance of women in Europe. 
 
The report provides a detailed overview of orthopedic braces & supports market insights in regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and Africa. The country-specific assessment for orthopedic braces & supports market has been offered for all regional market share, along with forecasts, market scope estimates, price point assessment, and impact analysis of prominent countries and regions. Throughout this market research report, Y-o-Y growth and CAGR estimates are also incorporated for every country and region, to provide a detailed view of the orthopedic braces & supports market. These Y-o-Y projections on regional and country-level markets brighten the political, economic and business environment outlook, which are anticipated to have a substantial impact on the growth of the orthopedic braces & supports market. Some key country and region included in the orthopedic braces & supports market report as follows:
North America United States, Canada
Latin America Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Rest of Latin America
Europe Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Czech Republic, Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia & New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia Pacific
Middle East and Africa GCC Countries, South Africa, Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Israel, Iran, Kenya, Nigeria, Rest of MEA

Orthopedic Braces & Supports Market Research Report Covers In-depth Analysis on:

  • Orthopedic braces & supports market detailed segments and segment-wise market breakdown
  • Orthopedic braces & supports market dynamics (Recent industry trends, drivers, restraints, growth potential, opportunities in orthopedic braces & supports industry)
  • Current, historical and forthcoming 10 years market valuation in terms of orthopedic braces & supports market size (US$ Mn), volume (Units), share (%), Y-o-Y growth rate, CAGR (%) analysis
  • Orthopedic braces & supports market demand analysis
  • Orthopedic braces & supports market pricing analysis over forecast period (by key segment and by region)
  • Orthopedic braces & supports market regional insights with region-wise market breakdown
  • Competitive analysis – key companies profiling including their market share, product offerings, and competitive strategies.
  • Latest developments and innovations in orthopedic braces & supports market
  • Regulatory landscape by key regions and key countries
  • Supply chain and value chain analysis in orthopedic braces & supports market
  • Orthopedic braces & supports market sales and distribution strategies
  • A comprehensive overview of parent market
  • A detailed viewpoint on orthopedic braces & supports market forecast by countries
  • Mergers and acquisitions in orthopedic braces & supports market
  • Essential information to enhance market position
  • Robust research methodology

- Frequently Asked Questions -

How does the market for orthopedic braces and supports look in the upcoming decade?

The market is expected to grow steadily due to increasing cases of sports injuries, aging populations, and growing awareness about joint and bone health. These factors drive demand for advanced orthopedic solutions.

What factors influence the growth of the orthopedic braces and supports market?

Key factors include the rise in musculoskeletal disorders, increasing number of surgeries, growing geriatric population, and advancements in healthcare technologies that improve product efficacy and user comfort.

What are the key challenges in the orthopedic braces and supports market?

Challenges include high manufacturing costs, lack of awareness in some regions, and the need for customization in braces and supports, which can affect product availability and affordability.