Digital X-ray Systems Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Product (Fixed, [Ceiling, Floor], Portable, Software & Services) Technology (Computed, Direct) Application (Orthopedic & Trauma, Chest & Lung) End User - Global Forecast to 2031

Digital X-ray Systems Market Size & Forecast

The Digital X-Ray Systems Market is expected to reach $14.33 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2024–2031. The growth of this market is driven by the rising geriatric population, coupled with the growing burden of chronic diseases, the increasing adoption of teleradiology, and technological advancements, leading to a higher preference for digital X-ray systems. However, the high costs of digital X-ray systems are restraining the market’s growth.

Furthermore, emerging economies and the increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into digital X-ray systems are expected to offer significant market growth opportunities. The lack of skilled professionals poses a major challenge to the market’s growth.

Digital X-ray Systems Market Growth Drivers

Growing Burden of Chronic Diseases

The geriatric population is growing rapidly worldwide. According to the United Nations, in 2021, nearly 761 million people globally were over the age of 65. This number is projected to reach over 1.6 billion by 2050. The geriatric population is prone to age-related problems, including joint pain, arthritis, or osteoporosis. According to 2022 Osteoporosis Canada Facts and Stats, nearly 2.3 million Canadians have osteoporosis. Nearly 80% of all fractures occurred in people aged 50 with osteoporosis.

Further, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the U.S., the number of adults diagnosed with arthritis is estimated to reach 75 million in 2035 from 54 million in 2015. These orthopedic disorders require an X-ray for analysis of disorders. As digital X-ray systems have less turnaround time and are portable, there is an increased demand for these systems, as they can be used in nursing homes.

The elderly population is also affected by cardiovascular diseases (CVD), resulting in increased hospital admissions. For instance, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) National Hospital Morbidity Database, acute care cardiovascular disease hospitalizations increased from 454,653 in 2010-11 to 600,000 in 2020-21. For diagnosis of CVDs, chest X-rays of the patients are widely preferred. Also, there are many emergency CVD cases where portable digital X-ray systems are useful for faster diagnosis and treatment of the patient. Due to these reasons, there is an increased demand for digital X-ray devices, further driving the market growth.

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Technological Advancements Leading to a Higher Preference for Digital X-Ray Systems

Technological advancements have increased the preference for digital X-ray systems over conventional systems. Many advancements have been made in digital X-ray systems, such as AI-aided X-ray interpretation, tomosynthesis, dual-energy imaging, automatic image stitching, computer-aided diagnosis, and digital mobile radiography. For instance:

• In March 2023, Canon Inc. (Japan) launched Celex, a computed tomography (CT) and multipurpose X-ray system that offers automated and adjustable capabilities to improve production efficiencies.

• In February 2023, Konica Minolta, Inc. (Japan) launched the mKDR Xpress system to bring advanced technology to Latin America. This system helps clinicians track anatomical movements throughout time, improving their diagnostic skills.
• In May 2022, Bumrungrad Hospital Public Company Limited (Thailand) launched Radiology AI, assisting radiologists in analyzing and locating abnormalities in the lungs and detecting breast cancer.

These advancements have resulted in better image quality, improving patient care and outcomes. Conventional X-ray systems use film to capture images of various internal structures of the body. In contrast, digital X-ray systems produce digital radiographic images instantly and store them separately on a computer. The benefits of digital X-ray systems include shorter exposure times, faster diagnosis and processing, improved detail detectability, high-quality images, and the ease of storing images and sharing them with doctors.

Digital X-ray Systems Market Opportunities

Implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Digital X-ray Systems

X-ray is often used as an entry-level modality for diagnosing patients, producing large volumes of images. These systems are equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) for efficient analysis of images. A large database of radiography images is created, and with the help of AI-powered recognition algorithms, radiologists can analyze irregular readings. AI recognition will search and map images to help identify pathologies and display a heat map of potential issues. Internal defects, inclusions, or geometries can also be tested, and this process is reduced from several days to a few hours. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increased adoption of AI platforms. These AI-driven platforms helped early intervention through rapid screening of COVID-19 with the help of chest X-ray interpretation.

Market players are focusing on developing AI platforms to benefit from data screening. For instance, in June 2022, MinXray, Inc. (U.S.) enhanced the digital radiography systems with the AI solution. The AI software can detect and localize 30 chest X-ray abnormalities, including tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 infections. Hence, digitization and implementation of AI in these systems will lead to effective analysis using digital X-ray systems.

Emerging Economies

Developed economies in North America and Europe contribute greatly to the digital X-ray systems market. These markets are relatively better penetrated. Hence, the players operating in the digital X-ray systems market are increasingly shifting their focus to underpenetrated markets in emerging economies. Emerging countries in Asia and Latin America, such as India, China, Brazil, and Singapore, offer growth opportunities due to their improving healthcare infrastructures, growing aging population coupled with the high prevalence of chronic diseases, rising healthcare expenditures & income levels, improving access to healthcare services, and growing government investments in the development of healthcare infrastructure.

According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, China’s population is projected to grow to 1.39 billion by 2025, with 518 million people aged 50 years or over. Also, according to the United Nations, India’s population is set to touch 1.45 billion by 2028, making it the world’s most populous country. Thus, the demand for better healthcare facilities and diagnostic systems is expected to grow due to consistent population growth.

Medical tourism is also rising in emerging countries such as Singapore and India, driving the demand for digital X-ray systems. Medical tourists travel to these destinations for better healthcare services at more affordable costs. Cosmetic, dental, cardiovascular, orthopedic, cancer, and reproductive treatments, among others, are the most common treatments that medical tourists undergo in these destinations. As per data released by Budget Direct Insurance, Singapore, the country receives 500,000 medical tourists annually. Additionally, according to the Medical Tourism Association, India was ranked 10th among 46 destinations in the Medical Tourism Index (MTI) 2020–2021. Thus, emerging countries are expected to provide significant growth opportunities for the players operating in the digital X-ray systems market.

Digital X-ray Systems Market Trends

Advancements in Detector Technology

There is a continual focus on upgrading detector technology, which includes indirect and direct conversion detectors. This involves boosting sensitivity, resolution, and dynamic range to produce higher-quality images with lower radiation doses.

In addition, advancements in detector technology, including software solutions and image processing algorithms, drive the evolution of digital radiography systems. Manufacturers are concentrating on creating high-resolution, small detectors, boosting image quality, and increasing process efficiency. For instance, in October 2022, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (South Korea) launched the AccE glass-free detector to offer images of a digital detector, clear visibility, functionality, and high load allowance to users and patients.

Digital X-ray Systems Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Product Type: In 2024, the Portable Digital X-ray Systems Segment is Projected to Register the Highest CAGR Over the Forecast Period

Based on product types, the digital X-ray systems market is segmented into fixed digital X-ray systems, portable digital X-ray systems, detectors, and software & services. In 2024, the portable digital X-ray systems segment is projected to register the highest CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period of 2024-2031. The growth of this segment is driven by the gradual adoption of portable digital X-ray systems in intensive care units (ICUs) and emergency departments, as they are compact, lightweight, and portable. Also, companies are launching portable digital X-ray systems. For instance, in March 2021, Fujifilm India Private Limited (India) launched a portable X-ray device named FDR Xair XD2000. This device is compact, lightweight, and battery-powered.

By Technology: In 2024, Direct Radiography (DR) Segment to Dominate the Digital X-ray Systems Market

Based on technologies, the digital X-ray systems market is segmented into Direct Radiography (DR) and computed Radiography (CR). In 2024, the direct radiography segment is expected to account for the larger share of the digital X-ray systems market. In direct radiography technology, the procedure from X-ray detection is digitalized, leading to shorter readout and processing time than computed radiology. Due to this, direct radiography technology is widely adopted in emergency cases where quick diagnosis and further treatment are required.

By Application: In 2024, the Orthopedic & Trauma Segment to Dominate the Digital X-ray Systems Market

Based on the applications, the digital X-ray systems market is segmented into orthopedic & trauma, breast imaging, dental imaging, chest & lung imaging, and other applications. In 2024, the orthopedic & trauma segment is expected to account for the largest share of the digital X-ray systems market. As there is a rise in orthopedic disorders, shorter diagnosis time is required to manage the growing number of patients suffering from these disorders. As digital X-ray systems help reduce the diagnosis time by digitally generating the images, they are adopted in a large number of hospitals and clinics. They are the factors contributing to the largest share of this segment.

By End User: In 2024, the Hospitals & Clinics Segment to Dominate the Digital X-ray Systems Market

Based on the end users, the digital X-ray systems market is segmented into hospitals & clinics and diagnostic imaging centers. In 2024, the hospitals & clinics segment is expected to account for the largest share of 63% of the digital X-ray systems market. Many medical facilities are adopting digital X-ray modalities, and the high prevalence of chronic diseases leading to increased hospital admissions contributes to the largest share of the segment.

Geographical Analysis

By Geography: In 2024, North America to Dominate the Digital X-ray Systems Market

In 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of 37.6% of the digital X-ray systems market, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. North America’s significant market share can be attributed to several key factors: the presence of major digital X-ray systems companies such as GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. (U.S.) and Carestream Health, Inc. (U.S.), high prevalence of chronic diseases, favorable reimbursement scenario, advanced healthcare industry with higher spending and adoption of advanced technologies, and rising prevalence of orthopedic diseases in this region are some factors accelerating the growth of the digital X-ray systems market in North America.

Moreover, the market in Asia-Pacific is slated to register the highest growth rate of 9.3% during the forecast period. The growth of this regional market is attributed to the improvements in the healthcare infrastructure in the region, the gradually rising need for advanced imaging modalities, the high burden of the aging population, and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and injuries are some of the factors contributing to the growth of the market in this region.

Digital X-ray Systems Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios, geographic presence, and key growth strategies adopted in the last 3–4 years. Some of the key players operating in the digital X-ray systems market are Siemens Healthineers AG (Germany), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. (U.S.), Canon Inc. (Japan), Shimadzu Corporation (Japan), FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation (Japan), Carestream Health, Inc. (U.S.), Agfa-Gevaert NV (Belgium), Hologic, Inc. (U.S.), Konica Minolta, Inc. (Japan), Samsung Medison Co., Ltd. (South Korea), and Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd. (China).

Digital X-ray Systems Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In May 2023, Carestream Health, Inc. launched its DRX-LC detector to increase image quality, patient comfort, and long-term picture capture efficiency in orthopedics.

In August 2022, GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. launched the next-generation Definium 656 HD. The product delivers consistent, highly automated and precise exams that will enable clinical confidence with ease in workflow, high consistency, and reduce errors in radiology departments.

• In July 2022, Siemens Healthineers AG launched a new mobile X-ray system, Mobilett Impact, at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) in Vienna. This system has the integrated advantages of the mobile X-ray system, enabling healthcare professionals to carry out X-rays beside the patient.

Digital X-ray Systems Market Research Summary

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