Research firm predicts growth of global 3D printed orthopaedic implants market

A recent market study by research firm FutureWise, predicts the global 3D printed orthopaedic implants market to register a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of more than 5.9% during the forecast period from 2019 to 2026.

Major growth opportunities for 3D printing orthopaedic implants are presented by the development of metal printing technologies, 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a rise in orthopaedic disorders and the development of 3D printed orthopaedic devices.

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority’s (NPPA’s) recent view on margins of trade and cap prices encourages the research and innovative findings activities for 3D printed orthopaedic implants. One result for dual mobility orthopaedic implants displays patients with successful implants observing no or zero dislocations for at least 3 years following the implant. 

The FDA is also approving robotic surgery systems for orthopaedic implants, and thus strengthening and encouraging the investments market players have made to provide advances in technological assistance during orthopaedic implant procedures.

The combination of these factors serves as a positive indicator that the global 3D printed orthopaedic implant market will experience substantial growth during the forecast period.

Issues remain however, such as the price associated with the widespread use of 3D printed orthopaedic implants. Although these implants claim to be near perfect and precisely non-invasive as a result of artificial intelligence, they are also really expensive. Reducing the prices for implants such as the knee, shoulder and hip remains a priority on the health care agenda for governments and medical associations all across the world.

Other important factors to consider are the use of implant and surgical guides to ensure that the 3D implants provide the desired comfort and results. It is important to note that very few market players provide assistance to the surgical teams following the sale of personalised implant kit.

As a result of the increase in orthopaedic issues, rheumatoid arthritis and an ageing population, knee implants are becoming a widespread practice. Knee implants are therefore expected to grow at a healthy CAGR during the forecast period, closely followed by hip implants.

Although currently titanium and calcium phosphate are the primary materials used for building regenerative implants for the knees, spine and hip, newer 3D printing technologies use polymers along with bioactive materials.