Asia Scoliosis Management Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Orthosis System (Cervical Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis (CTLSO), Lumbosacral Orthosis (LSO), Thoracolumbosacral Orthosis (TLSO)), By Disease Type (Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Degenerative Scoliosis), By Age Group (Pediatrics, Adolescent, and Adults), By End User (Hospital & ASCs, Clinics), and Country Forecast, 2020-2027

The Asia scoliosis management market size was USD 644.7 million in 2019. The global impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and staggering, with scoliosis management products witnessing a negative demand shock across all regions amid the pandemic. Based on our analysis, this market will exhibit a huge decline of -15.1% in 2020. The market is projected to grow from USD 547.3 million in 2020 to USD 826.8 million in 2027 at a CAGR of 6.1% between 2020 and 2027. The sudden rise in CAGR is attributable to this market’s demand and growth returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over. 

Scoliosis is a condition that causes an abnormal bending of the spine. It mostly occurs in adolescence or early youth stage. In this condition, a person's spine develops a sideways bend, creating a C or S shape. The expanding prevalence of juvenile idiopathic scoliosis in Asia as well as across the globe is a noteworthy concern. In 2015, the aggregate cost of treating adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) was assessed to be around US$ 514 million. This has resulted in active participation from several governments calling for the early diagnosis of the condition.

Increasing government initiatives to minimize the prevalence rate of scoliosis via funding for research and free social services will generate new growth opportunities in the asia market of asia scoliosis management. For instance, the Association of Spinal Surgeons of India (ASSI) launched a screening program in multiple cities to identify spinal deformities among school children. The screening program aims to reach out to around 1.5 lakh school students in two years.

Declining Number of Spine Surgeries amid COVID-19 Pandemic to Hamper the Market

The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the whole world to a standstill. The pandemic has affected all industries, including healthcare. Hospitals are putting all their efforts and resources into the management of COVID-19 patients. The overcrowding of health facilities has led to the cancellation or postponement of many orthopedic and spine surgeries in order to reallocate those resources for treating COVID-19 patients. According to CovidSurg, a total of 28.4 million surgeries were canceled globally in the initial 12 weeks when the pandemic had peaked.

As lockdowns were imposed in many Asian countries, a large number of manufacturing and operational facilities remained closed, leading to huge revenue losses. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a temporary closure of Zimmer Biomet’s Zhejiang manufacturing facility in China. This created a huge loss for the company during the initial months of the pandemic. Zimmer Biomet reported a decline of 9.7% in net sales during the first quarter of 2020 when compared to the same period in 2019.

Furthermore, disruptions in the supply chain and logistics of medical devices have resulted in increased inventories, which is an additional cost to the distributors and vendors. These aforementioned factors are expected to negatively impact the market.

LATEST TRENDS

Technological Advancements in Scoliosis Management to Provide Lucrative Market Growth

Consistent advances in medical devices have saved millions of lives. In the last few years, new spinal technologies such as 3D printed computer-aided design (CAD) models of the spine and finite element modeling and design optimization techniques have laid the foundation for the development of novel treatments and tools. For instance, in August 2019, Zimmer Biomet announced the approval of the first spinal tether device intended to be used in children and adolescents to correct idiopathic scoliosis that has not responded to conservative treatment options such as external bracing. Called The Tether – Vertebral Body Tethering System, the device is intended to treat growing children and adolescents whose spinal curves are approaching or have reached the range where surgical treatment is an option.

Moreover, the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosis screening is another significant advancement in this field. In Japan, for instance, an AI-embedded moiré imaging system is used in schools as a scoliosis screening tool. Hence, such technological advancements are favoring the Asia scoliosis management market growth.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Incidence of Scoliosis to Drive Market Growth

The increasing prevalence of scoliosis is one of the major reasons for the growth of this market. The majority of the adolescents develop this condition between the ages of 11 years and 18 years, and it accounts for approximately 80 % of cases of idiopathic scoliosis in children. In 2016, for example, the Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) screened 21,759 children aged 8–14 years in Beijing. The results showed that the prevalence rate was around 2.0%. Among all the patients, 80.5% were diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis.

Furthermore, according to the Japanese Scoliosis Society, the rate of congenital scoliosis increased from 6.6% to 14.4% in 2016. This increasing number of cases among children is anticipated to fuel the market growth rate.

Shift towards Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeries to Foster Market Growth

Minimally invasive spine surgeries (MISS) are associated with various benefits. Patients who undergo MISS tend to recover much faster than those who have had to undergo open spine procedures and are able to return to normal activities in approximately six weeks. The success rate of minimally invasive spine surgeries is much higher than traditional surgeries. Owing to this, the inclination towards MISS is gradually increasing.

In recent years, there has been a shift towards minimally invasive surgical techniques, which has been heralded by significant advancements in navigation and imaging technologies, availability of biologics and customizable implants, refinement of operative techniques, and, most importantly, evidence of efficacy, feasibility, and safety compared to traditional approaches. This, in turn, is anticipated to boost the scoliosis management market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Episodes of Product Recalls to Hinder Market Growth

An increasing number of product recalls might restrict market growth. In March 2020, for instance, NuVasive issued an urgent field safety notice to warn users of an issue with the separation of a certain component in its MAGEC system model X rods. The system is designed to brace the spine during growth to minimize the progression of scoliosis. Moreover, post-procedural side effects and risks associated with spinal fusion surgeries such as post-surgery pain, neurological damage, curvature progression, loss of normal spinal function, infection, and inflammatory processes might further limit its adoption rate, thereby hampering market growth.

SEGMENTATION

By Product Analysis

Increasing Adoption of Spinal Fusion Procedures to Favor the Spinal System Segment

Based on product type, the market has been segmented into orthosis system and spinal system. The spinal system segment accounted for the maximum market share in 2019. The primary factor attributable to the growth of the segment includes the increasing prevalence of scoliosis in Asia. Moreover, patient populations who suffer from severe spine curvature require spinal surgery as the frontline treatment option. This is another factor for the expansion of the spinal system segment.

The orthosis system segment can be further bifurcated into Cervical Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis (CTLSO), Lumbosacral Orthosis (LSO), and Thoracolumbosacral Orthosis (TLSO). Increasing demand for scoliosis braces for pediatric patients as well as adults and new product launches are the factors responsible for the growth of the segment. For example, in September 2016, Unyq Design, Inc. announced the launch of a new brace, UNYQ Align. It combines 3D-printing and digital design, powered by the Intel Curie module, into a stylish, customized, and lightweight medical device that assists scoliosis sufferers.   

By Disease Type Analysis

AIS Segment to Witness Maximum Growth

On the basis of disease type, the market can be categorized into adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, degenerative scoliosis, and congenital scoliosis. The adolescent idiopathic scoliosis segment is estimated to dominate the market throughout the forecast period. AIS affliction is one of the prominent reasons why the majority of patients undergo spinal fusion procedures. In 2019, China, Japan, and Singapore had an AIS prevalence rate of 2.5%, 2.0%, and 1.4%, respectively. Increasing cases of AIS across Asia will strengthen segmental growth.

Increasing product launches are augmenting the growth of the degenerative scoliosis segment. For example, in July 2018, NuVasive, Inc. announced the launch of MAGEC X, a new procedural solution within the MAGEC product family that addresses this condition.

Congenital scoliosis is the presence of abnormal curvature of the spine and affects newborns or young infants. Children with infantile idiopathic scoliosis begin to develop the curvature before birth while still in the womb. It is a rare disease and has limited therapies available. Moreover, the newborn patient populations suffering from this condition have limited chances of survival, thereby limiting segmental growth during the forecast period.

By Age Group Analysis

Rising Geriatric Population to Favor the Adults Segment

Based on age group, the asian market of scoliosis management can be categorized into adults, adolescents, and pediatrics. People above the age of 65 years are more prone to scoliosis. Senior citizens comprise the world’s fastest-growing population group. Within the next 50 years, their number is expected to double from the current 10% to 22%. Hence, with the increasing rate of the geriatric population, the incidence of scoliosis is likely to increase, which is expected to surge the growth of the adults segment.

The adolescent segment is expected to hold a considerable share of the market. The segment is anticipated to grow owing to technological advancements and the introduction of MIS spine products in the market. Increasing clinical research for early diagnosis of scoliosis among infants is expected to drive the growth of the pediatrics segment.

By End-User Analysis

Hospital & ASCs Segment to Hold Maximum Share of the Market

On the basis of end-user, the market has been segmented into hospitals & ambulatory surgical centers, clinics, and others. Spinal fusion procedures are predominantly performed in hospitals and ASCs, which is an important factor driving the growth of the hospitals segment. Furthermore, favorable reimbursement policies and an increasing patient pool are likely to surge the segment’s growth.

The clinics and others segments are anticipated to expand owing to the rise in the number of minimally invasive spine surgeries performed in clinics and the rising prevalence of spine disorders. Also, active government participation through awareness programs and screening programs in schools is projected to boost the growth of both segments.

COUNTRY INSIGHTS

The market size in China stood at USD 203.9 million in 2019. China is estimated to dominate the Asia scoliosis management market share throughout the forecast period. An increasing number of clinical trials pertaining to the development of novel treatment solutions is one of the major growth propelling factors. Moreover, a growing number of major companies investing in the China spinal market will further expand the country’s market footprint. India is anticipated to display considerable growth owing to the increasing number of public-private partnerships for screening children for scoliosis.

The increasing prevalence of scoliosis in Japan is likely to favor the expansion of the market during the forecast period. The rising number of government initiatives to raise awareness among the population pertaining to the ill effects of prolonged scoliosis is propelling the market in Singapore. South Korea, on the other hand, is projected to witness lucrative growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

High Demand for Mazor X Stealth Edition to Ensure Medtronic’s Leading Position

The market is consolidated in nature, with few key players holding major market share. In terms of revenue, Medtronic held a prominent position in the market. High sales of the Mazor X Stealth Edition system are the primary factor for the dominant share of the company. For instance, in December 2019, Medtronic announced the launch of the Mazor X Stealth Edition in India, offering a fully-integrated procedural solution for surgical planning, workflow, execution, and confirmation of spine surgeries. It is especially useful in the procedural treatment of scoliosis. Additionally, strategic acquisitions in the spine market and the incorporation of novel technologies in their products are expected to favor the market position of Zimmer Biomet and DePuy Synthes.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Medtronic (Dublin, Ireland)


• DePuy Synthes Companies (Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.) (New Jersey, U.S.)


• Zimmer Biomet (Indiana, U.S.)


• Orthofix Holdings, Inc. (Texas, U.S.)


• Aspen Medical Products, LLC (California, U.S.)


• NuVasive, Inc. (California, U.S.)


• DJO Global (Texas, U.S.)


• OTTOBOCK (Duderstadt, Germany)


• Other prominent players

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• December 2019 – Medtronic announced the launch of the Mazor X Stealth Edition in India. The product is a fully integrated solution for surgical planning and execution of spine surgeries.


• August 2019 – Zimmer Biomet announced the approval of the first spinal tether device intended to be used in children and adolescents to correct idiopathic scoliosis that has not responded to conservative treatment options, such as external bracing.


• July 2018 – NuVasive, Inc. announced the launch of MAGEC X, a new procedural solution within the MAGEC product family that addresses degenerative scoliosis.

REPORT COVERAGE

The Asia scoliosis management market research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market by offering valuable insights, facts, industry-related information, and historical data. Several methodologies and approaches have been adopted to make meaningful assumptions and views. Furthermore, the report offers detailed market analysis and information as per market segments, helping our readers to get a comprehensive overview of the market.

Report Scope & Segmentation