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Market Overview

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The global 3D medical imaging market is projected to reach $5.4 billion by 2027, reflecting a significant growth from $3.7 billion in 2021. This growth is expected to continue at a steady pace throughout the forecast period, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 6.4% from 2022 to 2027. The market’s development can be attributed to the increasing adoption of 3D medical imaging specialties and modalities worldwide.

One of the key drivers behind this growth is the rising awareness among radiologists about the benefits of advanced imaging technologies. These technologies enable radiologists to enhance their workflow by providing them with high-quality images that are more sensitive and accurate. Additionally, there is a growing trend of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into medical imaging, with investments being made to develop advanced software that can convert 2D image files into 3D images.

3D medical imaging technology has revolutionized medical examination by providing enriched images of the internal body structures. It has evolved significantly from the early days of CT scanners and MRIs and has become a new trend in the field of medical imaging. By utilizing medical imaging datasets and emerging technologies like AI and deep learning, 3D imaging can create detailed 3D models of anatomical structures.

The use of 3D medical imaging has transformed radiological diagnosis and surgical planning. It offers a clear and accurate view of anatomical structures, allowing surgeons to plan procedures more effectively. This technology has several advantages, including reducing damage to healthy tissues, lowering the risk of complications, decreasing surgical mortality rates, reducing costs, and improving diagnostic sensitivity across different specialties. It has become an essential part of radiologists’ clinical workflows, covering various exams such as vascular, orthopedic, chest, breast MR, gastrointestinal, emergency, and pediatric exams.

While 3D medical imaging is already widely used in high-income countries, it also holds great potential for resource-poor countries and rural communities. By adopting 3D imaging solutions, these regions can overcome challenges related to disease prevalence, diagnostic errors, and delayed diagnosis.

It is worth noting that 3D imaging systems primarily trained with data from high-income countries may not perform as well in low- and middle-income countries. The market is primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses, the adoption of advanced imaging techniques, and the growing geriatric population globally. Furthermore, research and development initiatives, along with favorable health policies implemented by national governments, are expected to further boost the growth of the 3D medical imaging market.

To meet the growing demand for 3D medical imaging technologies, vendors are focusing on developing advanced solutions. AI implementation plays a crucial role in generating faster and more accurate 3D images. For example, ImFusion offers consulting and research services in medical image computing technologies and uses AI to convert 2D ultrasound data into 3D images. Another company, PIUR IMAGING, provides AI-based remote image analysis services that facilitate quicker 3D measurements.

Some companies are also developing hologram systems specifically for medical imaging. Digital 3D holographic imaging technology has shown promising results in surgical procedures by providing surgeons with detailed holograms of pathological and anatomical conditions based on MRI and CT scan data.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the medical imaging market. The increased need for diagnosis during the pandemic put a strain on medical systems worldwide. However, due to supply chain disruptions and lockdown measures, the adoption of 3D medical imaging systems was hindered. Radiologists focused mainly on selective modalities such as lung ultrasound and chest X-rays. As a result, the usage of imaging systems like X-rays and ultrasound increased during the pandemic, while the adoption of 3D medical imaging systems was limited.

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Market Segmentation

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The market is segmented based on various factors, including modality, specialty, end-user, and geography.

Segmentation by Modality
X-Ray
Ultrasound
CT
MRI
Others

Segmentation by Specialty
Oncology
Cardiology
Obstetrics & gynecology
Orthopedic
Neurology
Others

Segmentation by End-User
Hospitals
Diagnostic Imaging Centers
Others

Segmentation by Geography
North America – US, Canada
Europe – Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain
APAC – China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia
Latin America – Brazil, Mexico, Argentina
Middle East & Africa – South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey

The adoption of 3D medical imaging solutions has significantly increased in hospitals in North America and Europe. This can be attributed to the growing number of patients with various health conditions who postpone their diagnosis. In fact, the hospital segment holds a significant share of 47.58% in the global medical imaging market. The rising cases of delayed diagnosis have fueled the demand for automated medical imaging technologies, relieving the workload on radiologists and hospitals. Consequently, this factor serves as a major driver for the growth of the 3D medical imaging market.

The diagnostic imaging centers segment is expected to experience the highest growth rate with a CAGR of 7.05% during the forecast period. Diagnostic imaging centers are increasingly adopting 3D medical imaging systems due to their affordability, attracting more patients. Several factors contribute to the high growth rate in this segment.

Within the 3D medical imaging market, the oncology segment is the largest revenue contributor, generating $1,136 million. It is also projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 7.03% during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the extensive adoption of 3D medical imaging systems in cancer diagnosis and treatment planning within the field of oncology. Furthermore, there has been a notable investment in advanced imaging techniques for oncology, driving the growth of the 3D medical imaging market in this specialty.

Many hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers have already integrated 3D medical imaging systems into their oncology departments. Established vendors offer 3D medical imaging systems, while emerging players also provide these systems, which have gained significant adoption in the field of mammography within oncology.

Among all modalities, X-ray holds the largest market share of 39.89% as of 2021. This is primarily attributed to its widespread usage and high adoption of 3D X-ray systems by radiologists in hospitals and teleradiology practices, particularly in orthopedics and dental fields. Vendors have concentrated on developing 3D X-ray systems for orthopedic and dental applications, ensuring rapid results. Research and imaging centers have also extensively implemented 3D X-ray systems, as they offer a cost-effective solution. During the COVID-19 pandemic, X-rays remained dominant for respiratory examination (lung).

North America is the leading region in terms of adopting 3D medical imaging systems. This can be attributed to its sizable patient population, increased adoption of 3D medical imaging software and hardware, and the strong presence of key players in this market segment. Several high-income countries in North America are investing in artificial intelligence (AI) to implement 3D medical imaging technologies, thus enhancing their technological capabilities. The rise in chronic diseases, increased investments in 3D technologies within the healthcare sector, and growing healthcare expenditures are major contributors to the growth of the 3D medical imaging market in this region.

The region also experiences an increasing workload on radiologists due to the rising number of medical imaging procedures. As a result, there is a greater demand for the adoption of 3D medical imaging technologies. Additionally, in recent years, there has been a rise in 3D medical imaging startups that have introduced advancements applicable to various specialties, further driving market growth in the region.

Europe represents the second-largest market for 3D medical imaging. This can be attributed to the presence of numerous prominent market players and high healthcare spending in the region. Large companies actively engage in mergers and acquisitions to expand their product portfolios. On the other hand, the Middle East & Africa and Latin America face obstacles such as a lack of training and knowledge, inadequate IT infrastructure, and limited awareness regarding the importance of 3D medical imaging, hindering market growth. The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is expected to grow at a faster rate with a CAGR of 7.16% during the forecast period.

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Competitive Landscape

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The market exhibits a moderate level of dynamism, featuring a limited number of international vendors and numerous local and regional vendors who provide a wide array of comprehensive 3D medical imaging solutions. Siemens Healthineers, GE Healthcare, and Koninklijke Philips represent the key players in this market segment. These players actively engage in research and development endeavors to drive innovation. Through the approval of new products and ongoing R&D activities, these vendors are able to expand their market presence, foster market growth, and maintain a strong position in the global market.

Key companies profiled in this report include General Electric, Siemens Healthineers, Koninklijke Philips, ATEC Spine, Analogic, Canon Medical Systems, Carestream Health, Dentsply Sirona, ESAOTE, Fuel 3D Technologies, FUJIFILM, Hologic, Planmeca Oy, Samsung Medison, Sonavex, Midmark, ScreenPoint Medical, SuperSonic Imagine.

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Key Questions Answered

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How large is the 3D medical imaging market?
The 3D medical imaging market is projected to reach USD 5.4 billion by 2027.

What is the growth rate of the 3D medical imaging market?
The 3D medical imaging market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.41% during the period of 2022-2027.

Who are the key players in the 3D medical imaging market?
The key players in the 3D medical imaging market include General Electric, Siemens Healthineers, and Koninklijke Philips.

What are the factors driving the growth of the 3D medical imaging market?
The major growth factors in the 3D medical imaging market are the adoption of digital 3D holographic imaging in surgical planning, the increasing implementation of artificial intelligence in 3D medical imaging, and the use of 3D medical imaging in teleradiology.

Which region is expected to have the largest market share in the 3D medical imaging market?
North America is expected to hold the largest market share in the 3D medical imaging market.