The key reconstructive joint replacement segment will benefit from an older and more physically active population, which will increase the prevalence of degenerative and injured joints.

Joint replacement to remain largest segment
US demand for orthopedic implants will increase 8.9 percent annually to nearly $22 billion in 2012, with all major segments providing strong growth opportunities. The market for reconstructive joint replacements, which is forecast to reach $9 billion in 2012, will gain upward momentum from an aging population and the widespread prevalence of physically active lifestyles. These trends will expand the number of persons suffering from degenerative and injured joints.

Knees and hips, which are highly vulnerable to degeneration caused by arthritic conditions, will continue to account for the vast majority of reconstructive joint replacements. Continuing advances in materials and design will improve the safety and performance features of knee and hip implants and encourage their expanding use in the treatment of severe arthritis. Among other reconstructive joint replacements, shoulder systems will post the strongest demand and realize the best growth opportunities based on advantages over alternative therapies in the reduction of pain and restoration of mobility.

Spinal implants, orthobiologics to be fastest growing
Advances in product technologies and related surgical techniques, coupled with an increasing prevalence of chronic back conditions, will create strong growth opportunities for spinal implants. Demand for these products is forecast to rise more than eleven percent annually. Fixation devices and artificial discs used in spinal fusion and motion preservation surgeries, especially procedures for the repair of vertebrae and replacement of degenerative discs, will account for the largest share of the market and best growth opportunities. Due to outcome advantages over alternative drug and physical therapies, surgery is emerging as the preferred treatment option for many spinal cord injuries and abnormalities.

This trend reflects the increasing availability of high value-added devices such as fusion cages and artificial discs. As breakthroughs in biotechnology and nanotechnology lead to the commercialization of new and improved products, orthobiologics will realize strong growth opportunities. Demand for these products is forecast to grow 9.1 percent annually to 2012. Growth factors, grafts and synthetic materials for the replacement and fortification of diseased and damaged bone are among the orthobiologics expected to fare especially well in the marketplace, benefitting from new product introductions and expanding applications in the support of spinal and trauma procedures. Bone cement, viscosupplementation substances and artificial tissue implants are also wellpositioned to capture strong growth in demand.

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