Fitness Craze, Arthritis Boost Orthopedics Sector

Orthopedic products are a staple of the HME industry and, according to experts, the field is growing. From new materials that make use more comfortable to a burgeoning population of active seniors, these products are growing up along with an increasing number of people who need them.

“The orthopedic products category is growing due to lifestyle and demographic issues, specifically ‘early boomers’ in their mid-50s to mid-60s with active lifestyles sustaining injuries due to sports and exercise activities,” says Tim Pennington, director of national accounts for Surgical Appliance Industries, Cincinnati.

Mike Murphy, national sales manager, Alex Orthopedic, Arlington, Texas, adds that the market's growth is also based on people's interest in exercise and sports.

“The health and fitness craze continues unabated and creates increased demand due to injury or overuse problems,” says Murphy. “Demographics also continue to cause growth in this category due to the graying of America and all the associated joint and arthritis issues. I think this market will continue to grow for at least the next 15 to 20 years.”

According to a 2006 report from Frost & Sullivan, market value is likely to reach $1.83 billion by 2012, with the increasing number of Americans suffering arthritis fueling the sale of orthopedic braces and supports, especially osteoarthritis braces for the knee. The market for rehabilitative and preventive braces and supports is also likely to grow significantly as this and other musculoskeletal conditions continue to become more common.

“There is increased demand from clinicians for braces and supports that are injury- or surgery-specific, especially ones for the knee, ankle and shoulder,” cites Frost & Sullivan Senior Industry Analyst Charlie Whelan.

The report notes the use of assistive devices for mobility impairments has increased dramatically in the United States due to an aging population, technological advances and changes in the delivery and financing of health care, which has boosted not only the orthopedic brace and supports market but also the adjacent markets for orthotics and prosthetics.

Along with knee braces, successful segments include shoulder braces and supports and pneumatic and diabetic walkers. And ancillary products like cold therapy systems, disposable infusion pumps for pain management and spinal orthoses are additional products that are experiencing high growth.

Yet, as in any segment of HME, competition is on the rise for both manufacturers and providers.