Reports
The digit joint implants industry consists of orthopedic devices that restore movement, pain relief, and functioning of fingers (metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints) in place of damaged and arthritic joints in those spaces.
These implants restore joint functions and relieve pain in patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and congenital deformities. These digit joint implants can be fabricated using materials such as silicone, pyrocarbon, metal alloy, and polymers with varying properties related to flexibility, strength, and biocompatibility.
An increase in digit joint implant demand is continuously being fueled by an aging population and ever-growing incidences of arthritis and injuries to the hand as a result of accidents and subsequent injuries. Growth in digit joint implant demand is further being driven by improvements in implant structure and minimally invasive surgeries.
One of the major growth drivers behind the digit joint implants is the growing incidence of arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis that commonly targets the joints of fingers. With age, joint degeneration increases and leads to pain and restricted movement and stiffness of joints.
According to an estimate by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 54 million American adults suffer from some kind of arthritis and it is likely to increase further to over 78 million by 2040. Several among them suffer from finger joint pain and deformities and hence become amenable for surgical correction.
In addition to this, increased awareness and diagnosis of joint diseases and wider access to orthopedic treatment have led to more patients considering surgical intervention in order to restore the functioning ability of their hand. Digit joint implants have been perceived as a viable option for long-term relief in cases where conservative treatments fail to provide improvements.
For example, a 58-year-old manual worker with osteoarthritis in his proximal interphalangeal joints had reported chronic pain and reduced dexterity. After undergoing pyrocarbon implant surgery, his pain significantly decreased and he returned to performing light manual activities, giving evidence of how effective an implant can be in active individuals.
Technological advancements in the materials used for implants and surgical techniques have been the overarching driving influence in the digit joint implant market. Advances in biomaterials made from pyrocarbon, titanium alloys, and medical-grade silicone have improved the strength of the implant, its biocompatibility, and resistance to wear. These technologies allow the implant to better mimic finger movements but with added durability and lower risk of complications.
At the operating end, minimally invasive techniques have reduced postoperative pain and scarring and recovery time. The doctors now possess improved tools such as high-definition imaging technology and patient-specific instruments that are more accurate during implantation. These instruments allow for more accurate implant placement and positioning, which translates into more favorable long-term functional outcomes and reduced revision rates.
Besides, greater integration of robotic and 3D printing technologies also facilitates customizability by allowing for the fabrication of patient-specific implants that adapt to individual patient anatomy and also improve surgical success rates further. These advancements further improve patient satisfaction and confidence in availing surgery, thereby broadening the volume of patients that can be treated.
North America dominates the digit joint implants market through its highest share attributed to its developed infrastructure for healthcare facilities, high level of awareness among patients as well as well-established orthopedic surgical capabilities. The region is aided by its high level of population aging and high incidences of arthritis and joint-related disorders due to trauma, both being high drivers for demand for implants. Positive payment policies and extensive insurance coverage in America also facilitate early detection and surgery.
The country also has a number of pre-eminent medical device firms and orthopedic research institutions in place, enabling ongoing innovation in the design of implants and surgical procedure. Regulatory agency U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emerging implants and less invasive treatments further enhances product rollouts and industry growth.
For example, a prominent orthopedic center in the U.S. launched a novel pyrocarbon implant generation that is FDA-approved and exhibited enhanced joint flexibility and lifespan in pilot studies. Availability of high-quality solutions together with highly trained specialists and high healthcare expenditure makes America notably superior in digit joint implant adoption and innovation.
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