Prosthetic in Upper Limb Market

An artificial device created to replace a missing or non-functioning component of the arm or hand is referred to as a prosthesis in the context of the upper limb. It is used to help people who have had limbs amputated or have congenital limb differences regain some of their functioning, look, and movement.

Each person's unique needs and abilities are taken into account while designing their upper limb prosthesis. They can be as simple as cosmetic prostheses, giving the wearer a natural-looking appearance, or as complicated as myoelectric prostheses, which are driven by the user's muscle impulses.

A socket or interface that connects to the residual limb, a supporting structure or framework, and functional components like joints, cables, and harnesses are all common parts of prosthetic devices for the upper limb. Together, these elements make it possible to engage in behaviors like grasping, object manipulation, and carrying out routine chores.

In recent years, breakthroughs in materials, design, and control systems have propelled a considerable advancement in upper limb prosthetic technologies. Although upper limb prosthesis technology has advanced significantly, problems still exist. Increasing sensory feedback, boosting dexterity and precision, and solving problems with comfort and long-term usability are some important areas for continuing research and development.

Market Overview

The Global Prosthetic in Upper Limb Market size was estimated to be 332.6 million in 2022, it is projected to reach 502.8 million USD by 2030 at a CAGR of 5.3% in the forecast period of 2023-2030. Various elements that support the development and demand for prosthetic devices are among the market drivers for prosthetic upper limbs. Some major forces include:

Technology advancements: The creation of upper limb prosthetics has been greatly influenced by technological developments. The functionality, comfort, and appearance of prosthetic devices have all been enhanced by innovations like myoelectric control, 3D printing, and new materials. The market is driven by these developments because they provide more complex and convenient solutions.

Rising Prevalence of Upper Limb Amputations: The demand for upper limb prostheses is influenced by disorders including cancer and peripheral vascular disease as well as congenital limb differences and traumatic injuries, all of which are becoming more common. The rise in the number of people requiring limb replacement or augmentation is the main factor driving the demand for prosthetic solutions.

Rehabilitation and Better Results: Rehabilitation initiatives and programs that emphasize the use of prosthetics, coupled with improvements in rehabilitation methods, have led to better results and increased acceptance and use of upper limb prosthetics. As a result, there is now more of a demand for prosthetics.

Customization & Personalization: It is more common to be able to personalize prosthetic equipment to fit a person's particular needs, tastes, and lifestyle. Aesthetics, functionality, and comfort may all be customized, giving people access to solutions that are tailored to their own needs.

The prosthetic upper limb market includes several key players who specialize in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of upper limb prosthetic devices. Here are some prominent companies in this market are Össur hf., Hanger, Inc., Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA, Fillauer LLC, Touch Bionics (Össur subsidiary), TRS Inc., Steeper Group, Liberating Technologies, Inc., RSLSteeper Group Ltd., College Park Industries.

Recent developments in the prosthetic upper limb market include:

The Perform Humeral Stem, a Tornier product that is designed with four collar diameters and is offered in multiple lengths to optimize humeral fit and give surgeons the power to perform and the options to choose, was introduced by Stryker in July 2021.

The Rebound Post-Op Elbow Brace was introduced by Ssur in July 2021. It is a non-invasive, lightweight, adjustable brace with simple design features that are meant to improve the clinicians' fitting experience as well as usability for patients who are recovering from serious elbow injuries or surgical procedures.

Market Segmentation

The market can be divided into upper limb prosthetics and lower limb prosthetics based on the kind. Due to the high number of lower limb amputations on a global scale, the lower limb segment has a disproportionately large market share for limb prostheses. For instance, the AT2030 Programme said in a published article that 1.5 million lower limbs were amputated per year, leaving around 65 million individuals worldwide without limbs in 2020. The segment has significant development possibilities in part due to the increased incidence of orthopedic and diabetic illnesses.

Traditional prosthetic devices, electric prosthetic devices, and hybrid prosthetic devices can be found in the technology segment. In 2021, the conventional prosthetics market sector held a disproportionate amount of market share. These gadgets, which are essentially body-powered, cost a lot less than those made using other technology.

The market can be divided into the socket, appendage, joint, connecting module, and others based on the components. The global market was dominated by the socket category. Usually, the sockets need to be changed every two to four years. Furthermore, a key factor in the segment's supremacy is the increase in research projects aimed at improving socket effectiveness. To evaluate a socket-releasing approach for better socket fit, for instance, Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc. started a research study. The goal of the current research project is to increase people's pleasure with their prosthetic limbs and limb health by evaluating the socket that unlocks while seated and relocks before standing. Thus, it is anticipated that several studies boosting the effectiveness of sockets would favor the acceptance of these items.

Orthotists and prosthetists (O&P) clinics, orthopedic clinics, and others are the market segments based on the end user. During the projection period, O&P clinics are anticipated to represent the largest segment. It is anticipated that these institutions' accessibility to efficient products and provision of specialized prosthetics-related care would add to the segment's dominance. The growth of the industry is further aided by additional benefits provided by O&P clinics, such as personalized prosthetics and reimbursements.

Major and Growing Geographies

With the largest market share in 2022, North America was the largest market, and it is projected that this trend would continue shortly. This expansion can be attributed to strong healthcare infrastructure, rising corporate R&D spending, and favorable reimbursement practices. In addition, it is anticipated that increased rates of sports injuries and osteosarcoma will fuel market expansion. Additionally, the U.S. healthcare system's emphasis on value-based services and care quality has created a supportive market climate for prosthetics and orthotics.

During the anticipated period, the Asia Pacific market is anticipated to have profitable expansion. The region is propelled by an increase in the number of amputations due to diabetes, an increase in traffic accidents, and supportive government activities. For instance, the Asian Prosthetic & Orthotics Meeting was held in Thailand in November 2018 to promote collaboration between Asian nations and debate current and emerging prosthetic & orthotics challenges.

Conclusion

The prosthetic upper limb market is driven by a combination of factors that include advances in technology, increasing incidence of upper limb amputations, rehabilitation efforts, and accessibility, customization options, and support research and development. These drivers have led to the growth and expansion of the market, offering individuals with upper limb amputations or limb differences a range of sophisticated and personalized prosthetic solutions. Key players in the market, such as Össur, Hanger, Ottobock, and Fillauer, among others, have been instrumental in driving innovation, improving functional outcomes, and meeting the unique needs of individuals seeking upper limb prosthetics. As technology continues to advance and awareness increases, the prosthetic upper limb market will likely witness further advancements and improvements, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals in need of these innovative devices.