Limb Prosthetics Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Upper Limb Prosthetics, and Lower Limb Prosthetics), By Technology (Conventional Prosthetic Devices, Electric Prosthetic Devices, and Hybrid Prosthetic Devices), By Components (Socket, Appendage, Joint, Connecting Module, and Others), By End User (O&P Clinics, Orthopedic Clinics, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2022-2029

The global limb prosthetics market size was valued at USD 1.53 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow from USD 1.61 billion in 2022 to USD 2.33 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with limb prosthetics experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global market growth had exhibited a decline of -6.3% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

These are products that prosthetists prescribe to replace a part of the body, correct a physical deformity or physiological malfunction, and support a weak or deformed part of the body. A surge in cases of diabetes, blood vessel diseases, cancers, infections, excessive tissue damage, dysfunction, pain, etc., are leading to amputations, which has boosted the growth rate of the market. During the pandemic, the market witnessed a sharp decrease due to a multitude of factors, including a decline in the number of amputations and lower product sales due to a decline in patient visits. Significant companies witnessed a decrease in their revenue for the year 2020.

As the volume of amputations continues to increase in the global scenario due to a number of factors, several stakeholders are engaged in clinical trials to develop cutting-edge products. For instance, in December 2021, the University of Washington performed a functional assessment study. The study compared the functional differences between two types of foot prostheses for people with ankle disarticulation (Syme's) amputations. The conduction of such critical studies for the development of novel products is anticipated to boost global market growth.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Market Witnessed a Decline Owing to Cancellation of Appointments and a Drop in the Number of Injuries and Amputations  

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was a decline in the number of patient visits for prosthetic services. For instance, according to the 2021 data published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted prosthetic services, with face-to-face appointments primarily reserved for urgent patients and inpatients in key countries such as the U.K.

Owing to the pandemic, in FY 2020, a number of major companies engaged in the sales of these products witnessed a drop in their revenues. As the situation improved in FY 2021, after the lifting of the pandemic restrictions and the resumption of normal activities on a global level, these companies saw an increase in their product sales. Össur, a market leader, recorded a decrease of 1.6% in 2020 when compared to FY 2019. The company recovered in 2021, with an increase of 21.8% in FY 2021. The substantial increase in sales due to increased patient visits also contributed to the surge in market growth.

Despite the overall negative impact associated with the pandemic, institutions in this market that had adopted teleconsultations and other digital technologies were able to sustain themselves. According to a survey published in the journal JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies in August 2020, 77.0% of the respondents stated that the adoption of digital technologies in prosthetics improved patient outcomes during the pandemic. These factors have also contributed to the market's resurgence in 2021, with the overall market witnessing stable growth.

LATEST TRENDS

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Development of Myoelectric Prostheses and Mind-Controlled Prosthesis to Drive the Adoption of these Devices

The global limb prosthetics market has witnessed an increased focus on the development of myoelectric prostheses. The increasing number of amputations leads to an intense need for prosthetic devices. This has directed prominent players to expand their product portfolio with an aim to cater to the growing demand. For instance, in September 2021, Steeper Group launched a myoelectric system. The entire limb is manufactured to offer a durable, high-capacity upper limb system at an affordable cost.

Further, development initiatives for mind-controlled prostheses are one of the most prevalent trends in the global market. The arm can be controlled by the brain commands obtained from an electroencephalography (EEG) headset. For instance, the startup company Atom Limbs plans to launch a mind-controlled prosthetic arm and prosthetic shoulder to market in 2023. The technology was first developed over ten years of research at Johns Hopkins’ Applied Physics Laboratory with a USD 120.0 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense. These factors are projected to contribute to the market's growth prospects in the forecast period.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rise in the Number of Amputations Invigorated Market Growth 

Some traumatic causes, such as accidents, injuries, or surgeries due to multiple reasons, such as diabetes, blood vessel diseases, cancer, infection, excessive tissue damage, dysfunction, pain, etc., are the leading causes of amputations. This has increased demand for prosthetic devices, significantly improving patient lifestyles. For instance, according to the Freedom Prosthetics Report of 2020, more than 1.0 million annual limb amputations are conducted globally. Furthermore, on average, an amputation is done every 30 seconds on a global level. These abovementioned factors are critically driving the global market.

Peripheral vascular disease is one of the common leading causes of limb loss. For instance, as per the article published by American Heart Association, Inc., in 2020, microvascular disease upsurges amputation in patients with peripheral artery disease. The high vulnerability of vascular disease patients contributes to amputations.

As these devices are considered to be rehabilitating in terms of nature and lead to an improved quality of life for the amputee, favorable reimbursement is extended to these products. Some of the components of the prosthetics process that are extended reimbursement coverage include physicians’ consultations, measurements, fabrication, fitting, device training, repair, and replacement, amongst others. These factors are anticipated to contribute to the global market’s prospects in the forecast period.   

Incorporation of Cutting Edge Technologies in Limb Prosthesis to Boost Market Expansion

As the demand for technologically advanced products increases, many manufacturers are focused on the incorporation of novel technologies in their products. In terms of the global landscape, individuals with limb loss and other disabilities want products that ease their daily functioning. This has led manufacturers to increasingly focus on the development, commercialization, and manufacturing of products that solve the various problems that individuals with amputations face. In recent times, several products with advanced technologies have been launched in the global market. In February 2022, Össur launched a new product called the POWER KNEE, an advanced prosthetic knee with an actively powered microprocessor for lower limbs.

In August 2020, Blatchford Limited launched ElanIC. It is the world’s lightest and most compact waterproof microprocessor hydraulic ankle. Apart from providing the patient with improved clinical outcomes, the product also focuses on the preservation of the patient’s long-term health through the protection of bones and joints from additional wear and tear.

Many manufacturers are putting diligent efforts into introducing novel materials to design technology-based prosthetic devices to achieve a robust foothold in the global market. The introduction of technologically advanced products and devices is poised to further augment the penetration and preference for these devices by healthcare providers globally, which will subsequently drive market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Costs of Prosthesis Coupled with a Lack of Prosthetists and Orthotists Hamper Market Growth

Despite a strong need for these effective products, one of the most critical limiting factors restraining this market's growth is the high cost of these prosthetic devices. Generally, a prosthetist or orthotist prescribes these devices, and each device is customized as per the patient's requirements. The cost of these devices increases depending on the level of advancement and mechanism.

According to an article published by BionicsForEveryone in 2021, the bionic hand costs from USD 8,000 to USD 100,000 in the U.S.  Some large traditional manufacturers still charge more than USD 30,000. Furthermore, newer companies seem to be pricing their bionic hands between USD 8,000 and USD 30,000.

Moreover, emerging nations lag in reimbursement policies for prostheses and prosthetists; thus, this increases cost barriers. The third-party payer restrictions create a dearth in the market, which out-of-pocket payments cannot overcome. For instance, as per an article by the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists in January 2022, the existing shortfall of prosthetists and orthotists (P&Os) in Singapore will continue to grow from 2016 to 2060. These factors are limiting the adoption of prosthetics, especially in emerging countries with comparatively lower levels of reimbursement.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

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Large Number of Lower Limb Amputations to Contribute to the Segment’s Strong Market Share in 2021

On the basis of type, the market can be bifurcated into upper limb prosthetics and lower limb prosthetics. The lower limb segment owing to the strong volume of lower limb amputations on a global landscape, contributed to the segment’s dominance in terms of global limb prosthetics market share. For instance, according to the published article by AT2030 Programme, in 2020, approximately 65 million people lived with limb amputations globally, with 1.5 million people undergoing lower-limb amputations yearly. Also, the rising prevalence of diabetes and orthopedic diseases is one of the primary reasons for the segment’s strong growth prospects.

The segment of upper limb segments is projected to grow at a limited CAGR. Increasing adoption of upper limb products and rising accidents or injuries will likely augment the segment's growth.

By Technology Analysis

Ease in Terms of Affordability Contributed to the Conventional Prosthetic Devices’ Dominant Market Share in 2021

The technology segment can be divided into conventional prosthetic devices, electric prosthetic devices, and hybrid prosthetic devices. Conventional prosthetic devices were the dominant segment in the global market in 2021. These devices are basically body powered and are available at substantially lower prices than the products of other technologies.

Electric prosthetic devices accounted for the second dominant market segment in 2021. Favorable reimbursement policies by the government, and private insurance companies, have led to a surge in demand for these products. The electric prosthetic device, including myoelectric micro-controlled devices, offers a reduction of harnessing, access to effortless strength and multiple grip patterns, and more natural hand movements. As they significantly improve patient outcomes, the segment is projected to grow owing to strong demand for these products.

Hybrid prosthetic devices occupy a smaller proportion in terms of market share. The segment's growth is likely to propel owing to the increasing technological advancement in these devices, which involves conventional and advanced features.

By Components Analysis

Frequent Replacement of Sockets Due to Greater Wear and Tear Contributes to Segment’s Maximum Market Share in 2021

Based on the components, the market can be segmented into the socket, appendage, joint, connecting module, and others. The socket segment held a dominant share in the global market. The sockets are typically replaced every two to four years. Furthermore, the rising number of research initiatives to increase the efficacy of sockets is pivotal for the dominance of the segment. For instance, Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc. initiated a research study to assess a socket releasing strategy for improved socket fit. The ongoing research initiative will evaluate the socket that releases during sitting and relocks before standing to improve satisfaction with people's prostheses and limb health. Thus, many studies enhancing the efficacy of sockets are expected to favor their adoption of these products.

The joint segment is projected to reflect a robust CAGR during the forecast period. Generally, a prosthesis includes wrist, elbow, shoulder, ankle, knee, or hip joints, which need regular replacements due to their wear and tear. Many amputations due to trauma and diseases contribute to the expansion of the joint segment.

The appendage segment is likely to witness steady growth prospects due to the use of prosthetic hands or feet to embrace the physical appearances among amputees; hence, these components are in demand. Demand for effective connecting modules for improved functioning of appendages and sockets is expected to contribute to the growth of the segment. All these factors, coupled with new product launches, are expected to drive the segment's growth.

By End User Analysis

Substantial Volumes of Prosthetic Devices Attributed to O&P Clinics to Enable Segment to Hold Highest Market Share

Based on the end user, the market is segmented into orthotists and prosthetists (O&P) clinics, orthopedic clinics, and others. The O&P clinics segment is expected to account for the largest segment in the forecast period. The availability of effective products in these institutions, coupled with the presence of specialized prosthetic-related care in these locations, is projected to contribute to the segment’s dominance. Other benefits offered by O&P clinics, such as customized prosthetics and reimbursements, also contribute to the segment's growth.

The segment with the second-largest market share was the orthopedic clinic segment. The increase in the number of orthopedic clinics carrying out amputation surgeries and providing prosthetic services, specifically in developing countries, is anticipated to contribute to the segment’s growth prospects. The other segment’s growth prospects are driven by the increasing number of rehabilitation centers across the globe.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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In terms of geography, the global market can be divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.

The North American market size stood at USD 0.76 billion in 2021. North America accounts for the most dominant region in the global market due to a number of factors, which include high limb loss incidence, the presence, and adoption of technologically advanced products, positive reimbursement trends, and strong healthcare expenditure. According to the Amputee Coalition, in 2021, an estimated 3.6 million individuals in the U.S. will live with limb loss in 2050.

Europe accounted for the second most dominant region in terms of the global market in 2021. Several positive factors, which included a favorable governmental and reimbursement policy, strong volume of amputations, and adoption of novel technologies, are anticipated to result in the region’s robust market share. For instance, according to estimates by the National Health Service (NHS) in 2020, it is estimated that around 55,000 to 60,000 patients suffering from a congenital limb deficiency or have undergone an amputation visit specialist rehabilitation service centers in the U.K. annually. NHS England spends approximately USD 71.4 million each year on these services. Such trends in key countries, including the U.K., are anticipated to further boost the adoption of these products in the region.

The Asia Pacific region has considerable growth potential owing to the region’s strong elderly population. The substantial geriatric demographic in the region, coupled with the surge in the prevalence of diseases, including diabetes, is anticipated to lead the region to grow at the highest CAGR. The rest of the world segment is projected to account for a lower market share in 2021. Various factors, including improved awareness in terms of these products and increasing healthcare expenditure in key countries, including Brazil, are expected to contribute to the region’s future growth potential.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Comprehensive Product Portfolio and Geographical Presence of Ottobock and Össur to Enable Them to Prominent Position

In terms of the competitive landscape, the global market displays a strong degree of fragmentation as the market has the presence of both regional and multinational companies. Some players such as Ottobock and Össur occupy a dominant position in terms of market size owing to their robust geographic presence, diversified and technologically advanced product portfolio, established customer base, strong emphasis on R&D, product launches, and engagement in various strategic initiatives. For example, in June 2020, Össur launched two advanced products, Balance Foot S and Balance Foot S Torsion, intending to help less-active people with lower-limb loss and maintain an ideal balance of safety, comfort, and mobility. Thus, the company's substantial market value and new launches are anticipated to further contribute to the company’s market dominance in the forecast period.

Some other key companies include Blatchford Limited, Uniprox (Bauerfeind), Steeper Inc., and Ortho Europe are progressively engaged in the strengthening of their market presence. To increase their market presence, these companies have successfully executed several strategic initiatives, including collaborations and launches of novel products. Also, newer entrants, including Fillauer LLC (Fillauer Companies, Inc.), Hanger, Inc., WillowWood Global LLC., and many others, are developing an edge over the other competitors owing to the expansion of manufacturing capabilities through venture capitalism and utilization of advanced technologies.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Fillauer LLC (Fillauer Companies, Inc.) (U.S.)


• Hanger, Inc. (U.S.)


• Össur (Iceland)


• Blatchford Limited (U.K.)


• Ottobock (Germany)


• WillowWood Global LLC. (U.S.)


• Steeper Inc. (U.K)


• Uniprox (Bauerfeind) (Germany)


• Ortho Europe (U.K.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• February 2022: Össur launched a new product, POWER KNEE. It is the world’s first actively powered microprocessor prosthetic knee for people with above-knee amputation or limb differences.


• December 2021: Ortho Europe launched straight and pre-flexed suspension gel sleeves. It provides a secure sealing solution to lower limb amputees.


• November 2021: Bauerfeind ME entered into a Joint Venture Contract (JVC) with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO) at the UAE pavilion of Expo 2020. According to the signed contract, Bauerfeind will employ and train people to produce prosthetics and orthotics at the ZHO facility in Abu Dhabi.


• September 2021: Steeper Inc. launched the latest myoelectric system. It is designed to offer a durable, high-capacity upper limb system at an affordable cost harnessing popular myoelectric technology's power.


• September 2021: Steeper Inc. launched the latest myoelectric system. It is designed to offer a durable, high-capacity upper limb system at an affordable cost harnessing popular myoelectric technology's power.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Limb Prosthetics Market

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The global limb prosthetics market report provides a detailed analysis of the market. The global market analysis focuses on key aspects such as market dynamics, key industry developments - mergers, acquisitions and partnerships, new product launches, technological advancements, reimbursement scenarios, statistics related to limb loss and amputations, key players, and COVID-19 pandemic impact on the global market. Besides this, the market report includes insights into the key industry dynamics and highlights market trends. Additionally, the report encompasses several factors and market statistics that have contributed to the growth of the global market over recent years.

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