U.S. Orthopedic Braces and Supports Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Upper Extremity {Wrist Braces and Supports, Shoulder Braces and Supports, Elbow Braces and Supports, Spinal Orthoses, and Others}, Lower Extremity {Ankle & Foot Braces and Supports, Knee Braces and Supports, and Others}), By Distribution Channel (O&P Clinics, Orthopedic Clinics, Hospital Pharmacies, and Retail & Online Pharmacies), and Country Forecast, 2023-2030

The U.S. orthopedic braces and supports market size was valued at USD 2.09 billion in 2022. The market is projected to grow from USD 2.20 billion in 2023 to USD 2.97 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period.

The market consists of devices that control the alignment and function of upper and lower extremities. The devices are used to treat various medical conditions, such as arthritis, flat feet, heel spurs, hammer toes, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, bunions, and lower back pain. Two types of orthopedic braces and supports are available in the market - prefabricated and customized. There are various benefits associated with customized orthotics, such as they are personalized, provide proper support, prevent injuries, and also enhance athletic performance.

The increasing incidences of orthopedic injuries will positively impact the market’s growth. Additionally, the growing product launches by established companies and the increasing demand for high-quality customized devices are expected to increase the market’s growth during the forecast period.

COVID-19 IMPACT

COVID-19 Negatively Impacted Market Due to Lower Sales of Orthotics

The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic declined the adoption of products used by orthotists owing to lower patient visits in clinics. Supply chain disruptions, the reorganization of healthcare assets, and other major factors negatively affected the sales of orthopedic braces and supports.

• For instance, as per a study published by the NCBI in November 2022, there was a decline in emergency visits in 2020 in the U.S and emergency visits decreased by 18% compared to 2019.

However, in 2021, the market witnessed strong growth due to the resumption of normal healthcare activities in all the states as COVID-19-related restrictions were eased. In addition, in 2022, the market fully recovered and bounced back to the pre-pandemic level.

U.S. Orthopedic Braces and Supports Market Trends

Increased Strategic Initiatives by Prominent Players

The U.S. orthopedic braces and supports market has been witnessing robust growth, driven by the increased strategic initiatives undertaken by prominent industry players. These companies have recognized the growing demand for orthopedic braces and supports, fueled by the rising prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions and an aging population prone to orthopedic ailments.

Many orthotic device companies are increasingly focusing on the acquisition of companies that offer innovative technologies, such as robotics, machine learning, high-frequency, and shock absorption materials, to develop advanced orthotics.

• In December 2022, Orthotic Holdings, Inc., a U.S.-based company, announced that it had secured a major investment from Summit Partners Credit Advisors. This investment was expected to support the development of improved customer support and innovative technologies and products for healthcare service providers and patients.

U.S. Orthopedic Braces and Supports Market Growth Factors

Technological Advancements in Orthotic Devices to Boost Market Growth

Technological advancements in orthotic devices are poised to impact the sales of orthopedic braces and supports significantly. The innovations drive significant growth by offering improved functionalities, patient comfort, and treatment outcomes. The market players are investing heavily in research and development to introduce cutting-edge orthotic solutions catering to various orthopedic surgeries.

3D printing techniques present a significant opportunity to improve custom orthotics' functional abilities and traditional manufacturing processes. The use of 3D-printing or additive manufacturing in the custom orthotic industry is considered a massive technological achievement.

• For instance, it is observed that each HP Multi Jet 3D printer has the capacity to produce up to 21,000 foot orthotic pairs every year. This implies that every HP Multi Jet 3D printer installed can potentially save around 40 tons of material waste per year as compared to traditional CNC polypropylene milling. Adoption of these advanced technologies is expected to propel the market’s expansion in a cost-effective manner.

As a result of these technological advancements, orthopedic braces and supports are becoming more accessible and efficient, thereby driving higher adoption rates and fueling the U.S. orthopedic braces and supports market growth.

Growing Clinical Studies Demonstrating Efficacy of Orthotics to Boost Product Adoption

The increasing number of clinical studies by academic research institutes and companies operating in the market has contributed to greater awareness and acceptance of orthotics within the medical community. Healthcare professionals, including orthopedic specialists and physical therapists, increasingly incorporate orthotics into their treatment plans, further driving the market's growth.

• In June 2023, the University of California, Davis collaborated with Soleit, a company involved in developing personalized foot insole 3D models, to conduct a clinical trial to determine whether custom-made foot orthoses significantly decrease pain perception amongst individuals with foot and ankle pain.

The clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of orthopedic braces for post-surgery rehabilitation have showcased promising outcomes. The positive results from this study have spurred interest among healthcare providers and patients alike, leading to a surge in the adoption of orthopedic braces and supports for orthopedic injury management.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Shortage of Orthotists in U.S. to Limit Market Growth

Orthotists play an important role in prescribing, fitting, and customizing orthopedic braces, such as hand wrist braces and supports, to meet the unique needs of patients with musculoskeletal conditions. However, the shortage of professional orthotists is one of the major drawbacks for the U.S. orthopedic braces and supports market.

• For instance, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the country has witnessed a decline in orthotists. In 2022, there were 9,150 podiatrists, which experienced a decline of 12.1% compared to the previous year. In 2021, there were 10,410 orthotists and prosthetists.

Such a decline in the number of healthcare professionals will decrease the prescription for orthopedic braces and supports, thereby limiting their adoption during the forecast period.

U.S. Orthopedic Braces and Supports Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product Analysis

Lower Extremity Held the Highest Share owing to Presence of Vast Product Portfolio

Based on product, the market is bifurcated into upper extremity and lower extremity.

The lower extremity segment is sub-segmented into ankle & foot braces & supports, knee braces & supports, and others. The lower extremity segment captured the highest U.S. orthopedic braces and supports market share in 2022 and is estimated to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period of 2023-2030. The dominance of this segment is attributed to the increasing cases of orthopedic injuries, such as ankle sprain, anterior cruciate ligament injury, and plantar fasciitis. Furthermore, the growing adoption of knee braces in the country and surge in the introduction of lower extremity braces and supports is anticipated to propel the segment’s growth.

The upper extremity segment is further sub-segmented into wrist braces & supports, shoulder braces & supports, elbow braces & supports, spinal orthoses, and others. The upper extremity segment is projected to expand at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. Increasing awareness about the benefits of spinal orthoses, wrist & elbow braces, and rising geriatric population are the major factors boosting the demand for upper extremity braces and supports, which is expected to augment the segment's growth.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

O&P clinic to Hold Major Share in 2022 due to Growing Cases of Orthopedic Injuries

In terms of distribution channel, the market is segregated into O&P clinics, orthopedic clinics, hospital pharmacies, and retail & online pharmacies.

In 2022, the O&P clinics segment dominated the market share and it is projected to register the highest CAGR during 2023-2030. The segment’s higher share is attributed to the increasing adoption of orthotics in hospitals. Furthermore, increasing number of patient visits to hospitals for the treatment of plantar fasciitis and heel pain is anticipated to boost the segment’s growth during the forecast timeframe.

• For instance, according to Medscape, in January 2019, approximately 10% of the U.S. population experiences bouts of heel pain, which results in 1 million visits per year to medical professionals for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. This factor is expected to surge the segment’s growth.

The hospital pharmacies segment is expected to record a notable CAGR over 2023-2030. The need for a prescription from a medical professional for using customized orthopedic braces and supports is a key reason boosting the growth of the segment. Furthermore, rise in the number of hospital pharmacies with the increase in favorable government policies is expected to boost the demand for and distribution of braces and supports in hospital pharmacies.

List of Key Companies in U.S. Orthopedic Braces and Supports Market

Market Players with Lower Extremity Orthopedic Braces and Supports in Their Portfolios to Hold Key Market Share

DJO, LLC (Enovis), Ossur, and Breg, Inc. are top market players. The dominance of these companies is owed to their strong presence in the U.S. with their high- quality product portfolios. These key companies are focusing on various strategies to expand their business, such as acquisitions, mergers, product launches, and subsidiaries to penetrate new markets.

Other players operating in the U.S. market include Ottobock, Ultraflex Systems, Thuasne, DeRoyal Industries, Inc. and other small & medium-sized firms. These are directing their attention toward diverse strategic advancement and introduction of cutting-edge customized bracing products, which is expected to propel their market share.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Essity Aktiebolag (publ) (Sweden)


• Bauerfeind USA Inc. (Bauerfeind AG) (U.S.)


• Breg, Inc. (U.S.)


• DeRoyal Industries, Inc. (U.S.)


• Össur (Iceland)


• Ottobock (Germany)


• Thuasne (France)


• DJO, LLC (Enovis) (U.S.)


• Ultraflex Systems (U.S.)


• Zimmer Biomet (U.S.)


• Weber Orthopedic LP. (Hely & Weber) (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• June 2023: DJO, LLC (Enovis) completed the acquisition of Novastep, a subsidiary of Amplitude Surgical SA and a global developer of clinically proven foot and ankle solutions.


• September 2021: Össur launched the REBOUND ACL brace in the U.S. to help patients recover from Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury.


• August 2021: Thuasne announced a strategic partnership with OPUM, a medical device and AI company, to create a digital solution for non-invasive and non-pharmacological treatment of osteoarthritis. The first product would integrate OPUM’s AI-enabled Digital Knee care platform with Thuasne’s Rebel Reliever OA knee brace.


• July 2021: Össur introduced the new Rebound Post-Op Elbow Brace, a lightweight adjustable brace, to help patients recover from surgical procedures or severe elbow injury.


• July 2021: DJO, LLC (Enovis) renewed its partnership with USA Lacrosse. The company has been the official sports brace supplier for USA Lacrosse and the U.S. national teams since 2017, and the renewal extended the partnership till 2024.


• February 2021: Breg, Inc. announced the launch of two spinal orthoses products: Pinnacle and Ascend. The new products, manufactured exclusively by Breg, are designed to enhance care for patients with spinal injuries.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report provides a detailed market forecast and competitive landscape. It gives an overview of the industry and highlights market dynamics, such as the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and trends. Besides this, it provides information related to key industry developments, such as mergers, acquisitions, and technological advancements in the market. Furthermore, the report focuses on the epidemiology of key orthopedic disorders in key countries. In addition, the impact of COVID-19 and the industry overview during the pandemic are covered in the report.

Report Scope & Segmentation