Bone Cement Market Trends

Market Driver - Rising Prevalence of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis Leading to Increased Demand for Bone Cement

According to various studies and surveys, it is estimated that over 200 million people suffer from osteoporosis globally and this number is expected to reach over 300 million by 2040. Similarly, osteoarthritis afflicts over 300 million people worldwide and this is the 11th highest cause of disability globally. The aging populations in developed nations as well as fast aging demographics in emerging countries are contributing to this consistent rise.

A direct consequence of increased prevalence of such bone and joint conditions is a parallel rise in orthopedic procedures that use bone cement for repair and reconstruction. Bone cement plays a crucial role in such surgeries undertaken for fractures and joint replacements caused by osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. It helps in affixing prosthetics firmly to remaining bone and ensuring stability and longevity of the implants. There has been notable increase in the number of hip and knee replacement surgeries worldwide which depend heavily on bone cement for anchoring orthopedic implants.

People are more proactively seeking surgical interventions to restore mobility and enhance quality of life. This in turn is driving the uptake of bone cement as an integral part of such orthopedic procedures.

Market Driver - Increasing Number of Orthopedic Surgeries Due to Sports-Related Injuries and Accidents

Participation in both competitive as well as recreational sports has seen a monumental rise globally over last couple of decades. This has unfortunately led to an alarming increase in the number of sports-related injuries including fractures and joint dislocations.

Additionally, with higher levels of urbanization and motorization, road accidents causing bodily harm have become much more commonplace.

According to statistical agencies, injuries associated with sports and accidents now represent a leading cause of emergency room visits and hospital admissions. Sports-related injuries alone are estimated to affect over 30 million people annually in the US as per the American College of Sports Medicine. Common injuries involve knee ligament tears and meniscal injuries in case of sports while bone fractures and dislocations are frequent in accidents. A majority of serious injuries require surgical interventions such as ligament reconstruction, meniscus repair or replacement and fixation of fractures through implants, plates and screws.

All orthopedic surgeries for sports and accident-related fractures as well as damaged knee and shoulder joints rely heavily on bone cement for anchoring prosthetic implants. It is a critical component enabling quick fixation of screws, plates and joint replacements and allowing for early mobilization post-procedure.

Market Challenge - Allergic Reactions Associated with Bone Cement Use

One of the major challenges faced by the bone cement market is the allergic reactions associated with their use. Bone cement contains polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) which can cause allergic reactions like inflammation, pain, and swelling in some patients. Approximately 5-10% of patients undergoing joint replacement procedures experience allergic reactions to PMMA. These allergic reactions can delay recovery and rehabilitation time for patients.

In some cases, it may also require revision surgery to replace the cemented implant. This leads to increased medical costs and loss of work hours for patients. Market players are investing in extensive research to develop bone cement formulations that reduce or eliminate allergic reactions.

However, developing truly hypoallergenic bone cement solutions remains a scientific challenge given the inherent properties of PMMA. The risks of allergic reactions could discourage some patients and surgeons from choosing cemented implants, thereby impacting the demand for bone cement products.

Market Opportunity - Regulatory Approvals for Novel Bone Cement Products, Boosting Market Growth

One of the major opportunities for the bone cement market is the regulatory approvals for novel bone cement products. Market players are innovating new bone cement technologies and formulations to address the current limitations.

A few companies have developed bone cement products with advanced properties like better viscosity control during injection, reduced healing time, and lower risk of allergic reactions. Receiving regulatory clearances from bodies like the US FDA and EU Notified Bodies for these innovative bone cement solutions will provide a big boost to their commercialization prospects.

Once approved, these novel products can address unmet needs and target a wider patient base. It will help manufacturers strengthen their market position and drive higher sales revenues. The streamlined regulatory approval process for medical device innovations also encourages continued R&D investments in novel bone cement technologies. This is expected to fuel market revenue growth over the coming years.