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Market Overview

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The global orthopedic splints and casts market reached a value of USD 2.34 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 3.34 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.06%. This growth can be attributed to factors such as the increasing patient demographics and continuous advancements in orthopedic splints and casts. Additionally, the rising number of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), road accident injuries, sports injuries, and the growing elderly population are driving the development of splints and casts.

The field of orthopedic medicine is an ideal application for technological advancements, with innovations in orthotics, prosthetics, custom joint implants, and more. Orthopedics is a rapidly advancing field, with new technologies and treatments being developed every year to assist patients with musculoskeletal problems. 3D-printed orthoses, for example, leverage digital technology to provide a better patient experience while delivering precise immobilization. By scanning the limb, the cast can be customized to match the patient’s exact anatomy, preventing pressure points and allowing for open areas over wounds or incisions. Notably, a 3D cast model has been developed that incorporates a bone stimulator directly into its design.

Several emerging companies in the orthopedic splints and casts market are focusing on developing 3D-printed splints and casts. ActiveArmour, a leading global company in 3D printed casting and splinting, designs fully personalized and fitted splints based on specific positioning and instructions from physicians to meet each patient’s unique needs.

There are also inventions available for licensing and commercialization that aim to fix broken bones. Dr. Kevin Martin, an orthopedic surgeon, has developed and tested a novel approach using fast-curing foam. Polyurethane foam is sprayed directly onto the skin, eliminating the need for cotton swabs and offering the potential to add medications such as antibiotics, pain relievers, and coagulants to the foam. This approach allows for fracture fixation without manipulation, reducing the risk of secondary tissue damage, bleeding, and infection. Early studies suggest that spray foam splints offer better fracture resistance and are easier to apply compared to traditional splints.

These innovative developments in orthopedic splints and casts have the potential to be game-changers due to their advantages over conventional methods. The emergence of spray-based foam splints offers leading companies and start-ups the opportunity to develop orthopedic splints and casts using polyurethane spray.

The global population of older individuals is expected to double by 2050, reaching 1.5 billion people. The proportion of the population aged 65 and over has already increased from 6% in 1990 to 9% in 2019. Orthopedic diseases and injuries affect the musculoskeletal system, including muscles, bones, nerves, joints, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues. Chronic orthopedic conditions or injuries can cause damage to these tissues or structures.

Worldwide, approximately 1.3 million people die each year in road accidents, with 70% of these accidents occurring in developing countries. Pedestrians account for 65% of these deaths, with 35% being children. Non-fatal injuries resulting from road accidents affect 20 to 50 million people annually and often lead to fractures, bone damage, or other severe orthopedic problems. Consequently, the large target patient population, including those with osteoporosis, fractures, arthritis, and road accident injuries, drives the demand for splints and casts to aid in the healing of injured body parts. Technological advancements in splints and casts facilitate faster recovery and healing of these injuries. Therefore, the increasing prevalence of aging, musculoskeletal disorders, sports injuries, and road accidents has significantly boosted the orthopedic splints and casts market.

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Market Segmentation

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The market is segmented based on various factors, including product, material, body part, end user, and geography.

Segmentation by Product
Casts
Splints

Segmentation by Material
Synthetic Splints & Casts
Plaster of Paris Splints & Casts

Segmentation by Body Part
Upper Body
Lower Body

Segmentation by End User
Orthotic & Orthopedic Clinics
Hospitals
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, Nigeria, Egypt

The global market for orthopedic splints and casts is divided into two product segments: casts and splints. In 2021, casts accounted for the largest share of 61.06% globally. Casts come in various shapes and sizes, with plaster and fiberglass being the most commonly used types. These materials offer effective and efficient treatment for fractures. Plaster of Paris (POP), in particular, has been a trusted choice for over 75 years. Ready-to-use casts made from high-quality fabrics, such as the popular Gypsona cast offered by Essity Medical, have gained tremendous popularity in the global market.

The orthopedic splint segment is expected to experience significant growth during the forecast period, with a CAGR of 6.37%. This growth is driven by the rapidly growing target population, particularly the increasing number of older people worldwide. This demographic shift has led to a higher prevalence of bone fractures and musculoskeletal disorders caused by age-related osteoporosis, as well as an increase in bone diseases, trauma, road accidents, and falls. These factors contribute to the generation of market revenue.

In terms of material type, synthetic splints and casts accounted for the largest share of 67.86% in the global market in 2021. Synthetic splints and casts, especially those made from fiberglass, polyester, polyethylene, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics, are now more commonly used than plaster casts. Among the synthetic segment, fiberglass splints and casts are the most significant sub-segment. The growth of the synthetic segment is attributed to the various advantages that fiberglass splints and casts offer over other types.

The market value of plaster of Paris splints and casts was USD 752.4 million in 2021. Despite advancements in casting materials, POP splints and casts remain widely used and familiar to physicians. Plaster is used after repositioning the bone because it can be molded precisely to fit the patient and support the bone. When a bone is out of position and needs to be manipulated back into place, plaster is often used to hold it in the proper position.

The upper body segment accounted for the largest share of 53.14% in the global market in 2021, focusing on orthopedic splints and casts for various upper-body injuries resulting from road accidents, osteoporosis, falls among the elderly, sports injuries, and other musculoskeletal disorders. Companies like CORFLEX GLOBAL offer a wide range of upper limb splints and casts, including wrist splints, boxer splints, cubital tunnel splints, and hanging casts.

Orthotic and orthopedic clinics are the largest end-user segment, accounting for 48.01% of the global market. These clinics provide specialized healthcare services to patients with suspected or diagnosed orthopedic diseases. They are equipped with sophisticated infrastructure for diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, offering quality care compared to hospitals.

The hospital segment of the global market is growing at a CAGR of 5.65% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the preference for orthopedic surgeries in hospitals, as they are often the first point of contact for road accidents, injuries, or fractures, ensuring prompt medical attention.

The APAC region held a 30.27% share in the global market in 2021 and emerged as a leading region. The growth is attributed to the increasing incidence of musculoskeletal disorders, a growing aging population, and related health conditions. Many regional and local manufacturers in APAC are actively developing innovative and affordable orthopedic splints and casts. China, Japan, Australia, India, and South Korea are the major contributors to the market’s exponential growth in this region. By 2030, China’s population over 65 years is projected to reach 18.2% of the total, further driving the demand for orthopedic devices due to an aging society and improving living standards.

The European market for orthopedic splints and casts was valued at USD 636 million in 2021. The growth of this region is primarily driven by an increasing number of orthopedic diseases, accidental injuries, and the elderly population. The market is expected to maintain a steady pace of growth from 2021 to 2027, with Germany, the UK, France, Spain, and Italy being the major revenue generators.

North America accounted for a 25.95% share of the global market and is expected to witness incremental growth of around USD 237.6 million during the forecast period. Similar to Europe, the growth in North America is driven by an increasing number of orthopedic diseases, accidental injuries, and the aging population. The availability of advanced braces and support developers, constant technological innovations, and the growing acceptance of technologically advanced braces and supports further contribute to the market’s growth in the region.

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Competitive Landscape

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The global orthopedic splints and casts market is characterized by the presence of numerous international, regional, and local vendors. Key players in this market include Essity Medical Solutions, 3M, Breg, Enovis, DeRoyal Industries, Bauerfeind, and Tynor. These companies have established themselves as influential contributors to the orthopedic splints and casts market.

Furthermore, Prime Medical, Datta Mediproducts, Bird & Cronin, Performance Health, DUK-IN, Medi, Orthosys, and Alimed hold significant market presence in their respective regions and countries. They have successfully carved out a niche for themselves and have become prominent players in their specific geographical areas.

In addition to these established companies, there are also several small start-ups and regional players vying to compete in the field of advanced orthopedic splints and casts. Recognizing the potential of these smaller enterprises, larger healthcare companies often choose to acquire, invest in, or partner with them. These strategic collaborations allow the larger companies to diversify their product offerings and actively participate in the digital health sector.

Key companies profiled in this report include Essity Medical Solutions, 3M, Enovis, Breg, DeRoyal Industries, Bauerfeind, ALCARE, Frank Stubbs Company, Weber Orthopedic LP. DBA Hely & Weber, medi, Carolina Narrow Fabric, Thuasne Group, Trulife, Tynor, Orthosys, DUK-IN, Performance Health, AliMed, Lohmann & Rauscher, Elite Orthopaedics, Allard USA, BraceAbility, VISSCO REHABILITATION, Bird & Cronin, Datt Mediproducts, Prime Medical, Yunbiotech.

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Recent Industry Developments

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In the beginning of 2019, Enovis, formerly known as Colfax, successfully finalized the acquisition of DJO for approximately USD 3.15 billion. This strategic acquisition enabled Colfax to establish a new foothold in the orthopedic market, as DJO held a prominent position as a leading provider of braces and support devices.

In July 2020, Breg, a renowned company in the orthopedic industry, entered into a partnership with its UK distributor, Joint Operations. This collaboration aimed to enhance the availability of top-notch orthopedic products in the UK/Ireland market. By joining forces, Breg and Joint Operations sought to expand the supply of high-quality orthopedic products, catering to the needs of healthcare professionals and patients in the region.

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Key Questions Answered

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What is the size of the orthopedic splints and casts market?

The global orthopedic splints and casts market had a value of USD 2.34 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 3.34 billion by 2027.

What is the growth rate of the global orthopedic splints and casts market?

The global orthopedic splints and casts market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.06% from 2021 to 2027.

Which region has the largest share in the global orthopedic splints and casts market?

In 2021, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region held the highest share in the orthopedic splints and casts market with approximately 30.27% market share.

Who are the major players in the orthopedic splints and casts market?

The key players in the global orthopedic splints and casts market are Essity Medical Solutions, 3M, Enovis, Breg, DeRoyal Industries, and Bauerfeind.

What are the opportunities for growth in the orthopedic splints and casts market?

The orthopedic splints and casts market presents significant growth opportunities such as the increasing demand for 3D printed casts and splints, the availability of a wider product portfolio of splints and casts by vendors, and the introduction of spray-based form splints.