Orthopedic Braces & Supports Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Product (Knee, Shoulder, Ankle, Hand, Elbow) Type (Soft, Hinged, Hard) Application (ACL, Osteoarthritis, Compression, Rehabilitation) Distribution Channel – Global Forecast to 2031

The Orthopedic Braces and Supports Market was valued at $3.06  billion in 2023. This market is expected to reach $4.64  billion by 2031, from an estimated $3.21  billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Orthopedic Braces & Supports Market Size & Forecast

The growth of the orthopedic braces & supports market is driven by the increasing cases of bone fracture, the growing incidence of musculoskeletal disorders, and the growing availability & affordability of orthopedic support products.

However, individuals’ tendency to ignore smaller injuries and low awareness regarding bracing-mediated orthopedic treatments restrain the growth of this market.

Additionally, the increasing availability of orthopedic support products on online portals & rising consumer awareness are expected to generate growth opportunities for the players operating in this market.

Furthermore, the rising prevalence of orthopedic disorders & diseases and the increase in accidents & sports-related injuries are trends in the orthopedic braces & supports market.

Orthopedic Braces & Supports Market Growth Drivers

Growing Availability & Affordability of Orthopedic Support Products Driving Market Growth

Orthopedic braces & supports require supervision from orthopedic technicians or medical practitioners as they require alteration or customization as per patient needs. However, some braces & supports like wrist/hand braces, elbow braces, ankle braces, and shoulder braces are sold by retailers over the counter. These products are more accessible as they are available at pharmacies and on e-commerce websites, and their use does not require supervision. Individuals also use such braces & supports for preventive care to avoid injuries.

Major players in this market are focusing on launching new products. For instance, in February 2021, Breg, Inc. (U.S.) launched 15 products for spine bracing for patients suffering from spinal injuries.

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Increasing Bone Fracture Cases Driving the Orthopedic Braces & Supports Market

A bone fracture occurs when the force exerted on a bone is greater than what the bone can bear. Major causes of bone fracture include vehicle accidents and falls, sports injuries, some types of cancer, and osteoporosis. According to The President and Fellows of Harvard College report, June 2023, the number of hip fractures worldwide is projected to nearly double by 2050, compared to 2018. Furthermore, according to the World Health Organization, in 2019, about 528 million people worldwide were living with osteoarthritis, an increase of nearly 113% compared to 1990. Additionally, the knee is the most frequently affected joint, with a prevalence of 365 million, followed by the hip and the hand. Thus, the rising prevalence of osteoarthritis is expected to lead to increased cases of bone fracture and injuries, boosting the demand for orthopedic braces & supports.

Orthopedic Braces & Supports Market Trends

Increasing Prevalence of Orthopedic Disorders and Diseases

The prevalence of muscle and bone disorders is growing at an alarming rate, with cases of musculoskeletal disorders expected to double in the coming decades. In the next 30 years, the prevalence of muscle, joint, and bone disorders is expected to increase by approximately 115% (Source: The Lancet Rheumatology Journal, Hindustan Times). Over a billion people are expected to have joint, ligament, tendon, muscle, bone, and spine disorders by 2050, up from about half a billion in 2020. Furthermore, according to the World Health Organization’s July 2022 report, approximately 1.71 billion people globally are living with musculoskeletal conditions, which are a major reason for disability worldwide. Lower back pain is the core cause of disability in approximately 160 countries. Thus, the increasing prevalence of orthopedic disorders and diseases is driving the demand for orthopedic braces & supports.

Rise in Sports-related Injuries and Road Accidents

The number of road accidents has increased over the years due to factors such as increased driving time and overspeeding. In November 2022, 29,000 people were injured in traffic accidents in Germany, a 9% increase compared to November 2021 (Source: The Federal Statistical Office). Also, according to the Italian National Institute of Statistics, in 2021, 151,875 road accidents were recorded in Italy, resulting in 204,728 injuries.

Over the last decade, the participation of youth in sports activities has increased considerably. This rise in sports participation has brought about an associated increase in both orthopedic and other injuries in athletes. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association and Sports Marketing Surveys, in 2021, nearly 232.6 million people in the U.S. participated in organized sports and fitness activities. Also, an estimated 1.1 million children aged 14 or younger were treated in hospital emergency rooms for sports-related injuries in 2021.

Therefore, the rise in sports-related injuries and road accidents is driving the orthopedic braces & supports market.

Orthopedic Braces & Supports Market Restraints

Low Awareness Regarding Bracing-mediated Orthopedic Treatments

Orthopedic procedures are dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and repair of the musculoskeletal system and are performed in hospitals and orthopedic centers. Bracing-mediated orthopedic treatments facilitate repair by restricting movement to relieve pressure, taking weight off an injured area, promoting healing, and providing post-operative support. (Source: Advanced Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute). However, consumers largely prefer alternative over-the-counter products such as compression bandages and tapes that provide temporary relief and are comparatively cheaper. However, in developing countries, costs remain a major factor limiting the adoption of orthopedic braces & supports, restraining market growth.

Orthopedic Braces & Supports Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Product: The Knee Braces & Supports Segment to Dominate the Market in 2024

Based on product, the orthopedic braces & supports market is segmented into knee braces & supports, ankle braces & supports, foot walkers & orthoses, back, hip, and spine braces & supports, neck & cervical braces & supports, shoulder braces & supports, elbow braces & supports, hand & wrist braces & supports, and facial braces & supports. In 2024, the knee braces & supports segment is expected to account for the largest share of 29.7% of the orthopedic braces & supports market. The high prevalence of knee-related orthopedic illnesses and the benefits of knee braces & supports, such as tissue compression around the knee, tissue healing, and reduction in pain, contribute to the segment’s large share.

However, the back, hip, and spine braces & supports segment is projected to record the highest growth rate of 5.9% during the forecast period 2024–2031. The growth of this segment is driven by the increasing cases of hip & spine fractures and osteoporosis and the rising number of accidents.

By Type: The Soft & Elastic Braces & Supports Segment to Dominate the Market in 2024

Based on type, the orthopedic braces & supports market is segmented into soft & elastic braces & supports, hinged braces & supports, and hard & rigid braces & supports.

In 2024, the soft & elastic braces & supports segment is expected to account for the largest share of 52.5% of the orthopedic braces & supports market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to the cost-effectiveness of soft & elastic braces & supports and their attributes, such as flexibility and availability in various sizes & shapes as compared to other types of braces.

By Application: The Ligament Injury Segment to Dominate the Market in 2024

Based on application, the orthopedic braces & supports market is segmented into compression therapy, preventive care, osteoarthritis, ligament injury, post-operative rehabilitation, and other applications.

In 2024, the ligament injury segment is expected to account for the largest share of the orthopedic braces & supports market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to the increase in sports injuries, the high utilization of braces during excise sessions to prevent ligament injuries, and the increase in accidents causing ligament injuries.

By Distribution Channel: The Retail Pharmacies Segment to Dominate the Market in 2024

Based on distribution channel, the orthopedic braces & supports market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, e-commerce, and other distribution channels.

In 2024, the retail pharmacies segment is expected to account for the largest share of the orthopedic braces & supports market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to the increased availability of over-the-counter products at retail pharmacies and the easy accessibility & convenience offered by retail pharmacies.

However, the e-commerce segment is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. Factors such as the growth in online purchasing, increasing access to online medical stores, and discounts offered by e-commerce platforms contribute to the segment’s high growth.

Geographic Analysis

By Region: North America to Dominate the Orthopedic Braces & Supports Market in 2024

In 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of 36.7% of the orthopedic braces & supports market, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. In North America, the U.S. is expected to account for the major market share in 2024, mainly due to shifting demographics, health conditions, growth in the aging population, robust consumer demand, and high healthcare expenditure.

However, Asia-Pacific is slated to register the highest growth rate of 6.4% during the forecast period 2024–2031 due to growing economies such as India and China. The growth of the orthopedic braces & supports market in APAC is also driven by the increasing geriatric population, the rising prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and orthopedic diseases, and increasing healthcare expenditures. Rising cases of obesity and diabetes are likely to increase the burden of osteoarthritis, driving market growth.

Orthopedic Braces & Supports Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios, geographic presence, financials, and key growth strategies adopted in the last 3–4 years. Some of the key players operating in the orthopedic braces & supports market are Bauerfeind AG (Germany), Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (U.S.), 3M Company (U.S.), Össur hf. (Iceland), Breg, Inc. (U.S.), Enovis Corporation (U.S.), Bird & Cronin, LLC (U.S.), DeRoyal Industries, Inc. (U.S.), Essity Aktiebolag (publ) (Sweden), Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA (Germany), Weber Orthopedic LP. (U.S.), and Stubbs Company Inc. (U.S.).

Orthopedic Braces & Supports Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In January 2024, Enovis Corporation (U.S.) acquired LimaCorporate S.p.A. (Lima) (Italy) to leverage its position in the orthopedic Industry.
• In January 2024, Enovis Corporation (U.S.), through its subsidiary DJO, LLC (U.S.), launched the DonJoy ROAM OA knee brace for patients suffering from knee pain and osteoarthritis, among other orthopedic disorders.
• In February 2022, Össur hf. (Iceland) launched POWER KNEE, an actively powered microprocessor prosthetic knee for individuals with limb difference or above-knee amputation.
• In May 2020,   Össur hf. (Iceland) launched the Unloader One X Knee Brace to improve function and help reduce pain among patients suffering from osteoarthritis (OA).
• In February 2021, Breg, Inc. (U.S.) launched two lines of spinal orthoses—Pinnacle and Ascend, for patients suffering from spinal injuries.

Orthopedic Braces & Supports Market Research Summary

Key questions answered in the orthopedic braces & supports market report: