The global foot and ankle device market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 6.3% from 2020 to 2027 and expected to reach the market value of around US$ 6,574 Mn by 2027.

Foot and ankle medical devices are used as a treatment option for injuries caused by diseases or disorders. These disorders involve osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other severe conditions like trauma and neurological disorders. Ankle fracture is the fifth most common type of bone fracture. Metal implant is the current standard of care in orthopedic fixation. However, it can lead to complications in case of non-healing of the bone. Bioabsorbable implants are developed by the market players for eliminating hardware removal surgeries that are necessary for best results. Orthotic devices are composed of several materials that include metal, carbon fibers, leather, rubber, and others.

Market Dynamics

Rising number of trained surgical podiatrists and F&A specialists

Podiatrists are specialized for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of foot & ankle related disorders. As many serious diseases affect foot problems, podiatrists act as a first line treatment option. According to the STANFORD CHILDREN'S HEALTH, in US about 30 million children and teens participate in some form of organized sports, and more than 3.5 million injuries are registered. As density of injuries registered is witnessing elevation demand for podiatrists is increasing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that between 2016 and 2026 the number of podiatrists will increase globally by 10.3% and will increase by 19.2% particularly in New York. In addition, demand for podiatrists is increasing due to rising number of Americans who are overweight or obese or are diagnosed with diabetes. People having weight gain or are overweight have intense pressure on foot & ankle resulting in need of podiatrists.

Improvements in surgical techniques, implant designs, and materials drive the market growth

Surgery of foot & ankle is one of the most complicated skeletal systems. By comprising small bones and joints, surgical reconstruction of disease and injury is a challenge. With incorporation of technology in foot & ankle surgery has gained a fast pace and is one of the growing segment in orthopedic device development. Conditions such as “charcoat arthropathy” had limited fixation tools and complicated cases were often abandoned owing to limited access to appropriate fixation. Moreover, advancements in tissue engineering and science offer surgeons to supplement poor bone and tissue with new and allow regeneration. In future, foot & ankle surgeons will be able to treat bone injuries with absorbable fixation that possess rigidity and strength of metal.

Expansion of products approved in foot & ankle indication

Additive Orthopedics, is a New Jersey based manufacturer of next generation orthopedic devices for the foot and ankle devices. Company received FDA 510 (k) clearance for its patient specific 3D printed locking lattice plates. Recently approved 3D printed device is designed with accurate alignment, stabilization, and fusion of fractures, osteotomies, and arthrdesis of foot, ankle, and other small bones. In May 2018 AM Chronicle reported the approval of its patient specific 3D printed bone segments for internal bone fixation in the ankle and foot. Moreover, in 2017, the company received clearance of minimal invasive 3D printed bunion correction system to treat the alignment and stabilization of bunions. The bunion system marked additive orthopedics fourth FDA clearance for a 3D printed product.

Segmental Outlook

Foot and ankle device market is segmented based on product and application. Based on product, the market is segmented as bracing and support, joint implants, soft tissue orthopedics device, prosthetics, and orthopedic fixation. By application, market is segmented as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, hammertoe, bunions, neurological disorders, and osteoporosis.

Based on product, joint implants will record a significant market share in the forecast period. This is attributed by prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and biodegradable digit joint implants bolster the growth of joint implants segment. Arthritis is the inflammation of joints that affect the connective tissue surrounding the joints in which OA and RA being the most common types. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in 2017-2018, there were around 169,214 hospitalizations with a principal diagnosis of osteoarthritis a rate of 1,087 hospitalizations per 100,000 populations. The statistics revealed that more than half (57%) of osteoarthritis hospitalizations were females. As joint replacement is cost effective and clinically effective treatment for severe osteoarthritis, clinical guidelines in Australia suggest for considering joint replacement surgery for severe arthritis if all other treatment options have failed (RACGP 2018). Based on the statistics released by Australian Orthopedics Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR 2019), 65,266 knee replacement surgeries and 49,764 hip replacement surgeries are reported.

Regional Overview

North America dominates the overall regional market of foot and ankle device. The factors contributing for the growth involves high prevalence of unintentional injuries and ever-growing geriatric population. In addition, establishment of trauma centers by the government specialized to handle emergencies fuel the growth of regional market. In addition, The American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) announced partnership with M2S to improve patient outcome. Through partnership it was announced launching of the Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Outcomes Research Network (OFAR) a patient reported outcomes data collection system. By using M2M pathway clinical data platform, OFAR will track clinical and patient reported outcomes for most orthopedic foot and ankle conditions. A major quality and research initiative, OFAR is projected to expand the breadth and availability of data that will enhance foot and ankle patient care and improve quality and efficiency of outcome.

On the other hand, Asia Pacific will be the fastest growing regional market for foot & ankle device. Rising geriatric population, high prevalence of lifestyle disorder like diabetes resulting into diabetic foot ulcers enhances the growth in Asia Pacific market. India is one of the 7 countries of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) South East Asia (SEA) region. India is witnessing an epidemic of diabetes with rising prevalence in urban areas. According to the Coronary Artery Disease in Asian Indians (CADAI), from the past 30 years, prevalence of diabetes has increased from 12-18% in urban India and 3-6% in rural India. Further, diabetic foot ulcers were found in 4.54% of patients that possess type 2 diabetes mellitus in India. Among these, 46.1% had neuropathic, 19.7% had ischemic, and 34.2% had neuroischemic foot ulcers as per the statistics released by National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Asia Pacific is predicted to witness a lucrative growth in global diabetic foot ulcer therapeutics owing to growing geriatric population high exposure towards diabetes. According to Government of India, development of orthotic devices will boost the market to overcome clinical conditions associated with osteoarthritis and diabetic foot ulcers. Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala (SCTIMST), an Institute of National Importance under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tynor Orthotics Private Limited (Tynor), Mohali, to set up an Orthotics and Rehabilitation R&D vertical to promote indigenous device development in this sector towards the goal of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, a high priority target of the Government of India. In addition, Tynor will collaborate with SCTIMST for co-development of orthotic devices and will promote joint research program in orthotics and rehab. Tynor has funded SCTIMST for R&D of two off-loading devices in patients with diabetic foot ulcers and osteoarthritis. The project duration is of one year with Tynor that contributes INR 27 lakhs for the program.

Competitive Landscape

Key companies profiled in this report involve DePuy Synthes, Zimmer Biomet, Stryker, Integra LifeSciences Corporation, Wright Medical Technology, Inc., Advanced Orthopedic Solutions, Acumed, Bioretec Ltd., Össur, and among others.

Market Segmentation

Market by Product
Bracing and Support
Joint Implants
Soft Tissue Orthopedic Devices
Prosthetics
Orthopedic fixation

Market by Application
Hammertoe
Trauma
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Neurological Disorders
Bunions
Osteoporosis

Market By Geography

North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada

Europe
    • U.K.
    • Germany
    • France
    • Spain
    • Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa
    • GCC
    • South Africa
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa