Unloader Knee Braces Market - By Product Type (Custom-fit Knee Braces, Standard Knee Braces), By Application (Osteoarthritis, Ligament Injuries), By End-use (Hospitals, Orthopedic Clinics) & Forecast, 2023 – 2032

Unloader Knee Braces Market - By Product Type (Custom-fit Knee Braces, Standard Knee Braces), By Application (Osteoarthritis, Ligament Injuries), By End-use (Hospitals, Orthopedic Clinics) & Forecast, 2023 – 2032

Unloader Knee Braces Market Size

Unloader Knee Braces Market size was valued at around USD 347.8 million in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% between 2023 and 2032. Participation in sports and fitness activities has been on the rise globally. However, these activities also pose a risk of knee injuries. Unloader knee braces provide support, stability, and protection to individuals engaging in sports and physical activities, fueling their demand among athletes, sports enthusiasts, and active individuals. Additionally, the rising prevalence of knee conditions, such as osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, and ligament injuries, is a significant driver for the unloader knee braces industry.
 

As the global population ages and becomes more susceptible to these conditions, the demand for non-invasive treatment options like unloader knee braces increases. Further, other factors such as increasing aging population, technological advancements in brace design, growing awareness and preference for non-surgical treatment are contributing to increase in product demand.
 

An unloader knee brace is a type of knee orthosis or support device designed to alleviate pain and reduce the load on the affected knee joint, particularly in individuals with conditions such as osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, or ligament injuries. The primary function of an unloader knee brace is to shift the load or pressure away from the damaged or affected area of the knee joint, thus providing relief, and promoting better mobility.
 

Unloader knee braces can be relatively expensive, especially custom-built options. The high product cost may limit their accessibility and adoption, particularly for individuals without adequate insurance coverage or financial resources. Lack of awareness among healthcare professionals and patients about the benefits and availability of unloader knee braces can hinder market growth. Additionally, in some healthcare systems, reimbursement policies may not fully cover the cost of unloader knee braces or may have stringent eligibility criteria. Limited or no reimbursement options can be a barrier for patients who require these braces but cannot afford them, thereby impacting unloader knee braces market share.
 

COVID-19 Impact

The pandemic led to disruptions in global manufacturing and supply chains due to lockdown measures, restrictions on international trade, and workforce limitations. This disruption has resulted in delays in production, shortage of raw materials, and difficulties in distributing unloader knee braces, impacting market availability. Many healthcare systems prioritized urgent and essential medical procedures, while elective surgeries, including knee surgeries, were often delayed or postponed. This delay may have affected the demand for unloader knee braces, as these braces are commonly used as a non-surgical treatment option prior to or after knee surgeries.
 

However, the pandemic prompted individuals to focus more on their health and engage in home-based fitness activities owing to notable adoption of telehealth practices to curb the spread of virus. This trend may have driven the demand for unloader knee braces as individuals sought solutions to manage knee pain and support their exercise routines while staying at home. Thus, as the situation evolved and improved the product demand recorded growth and is projected to maintain the trend over the analysis period.
 

Unloader Knee Braces Market Trends

Technological advancements in unloader knee braces have led to improvements in design, functionality, and patient comfort. The use of 3D printing technology has facilitated the customization and personalization of unloader knee braces. It allows for the creation of braces that precisely fit the patient's anatomy, resulting in improved comfort and effectiveness. Additionally, integration of smart technology into unloader knee braces has opened up new possibilities for monitoring and tracking patients' progress. These smart braces may include sensors to measure factors such as joint alignment, pressure distribution, and range of motion. The data collected can be used to assess treatment efficacy and inform adjustments or modifications to the brace.
 

Further, use of advanced materials, adjustable dynamic systems, improved suspension and strapping systems, enhanced patient experience and improved treatment efficacy are other attributes that are driving the business expansion.
 

Unloader Knee Braces Market Analysis

Based on product type, the unloader knee braces market is bifurcated into custom-fit knee braces and standard knee braces. The standard knee braces segment accounted for majority revenue share and was valued at over USD 242.1 million in 2022. The increased demand for standard knee braces can be attributed to several factors including over-the-counter availability, affordability, convenience, and ease of use among others. Standard knee braces are often more affordable compared to custom-built braces. This makes them a more accessible option for individuals who require basic support or protection for their knees without the need for customization. Standard knee braces are typically designed for easy use, require minimal adjustments, user-friendly and do not require professional fitting or complex customization processes. This convenience appeals to individuals who prefer a straightforward and hassle-free solution for their knee support needs.
 

Based on application, the unloader knee braces market is segmented into osteoarthritis, ligament injuries, and others. The osteoarthritis segment held a dominating revenue share in 2022 and is anticipated to reach over USD 456 million by 2032. Osteoarthritis is commonly associated with aging, and as the global population continues to age, the prevalence of osteoarthritis is increasing. Older adults are more susceptible to developing osteoarthritis due to wear and tear on the joints over time. This demographic shift drives the demand for knee braces as a non-surgical treatment option to manage osteoarthritis symptoms. Therefore, the rising prevalence of osteoarthritis, coupled with the preference for non-invasive and conservative treatment options, is driving the market growth for knee braces.
 

Based on end-use, the unloader knee braces market is segmented into orthopedic clinics, hospitals, and others. The orthopedic clinics segment held a significant revenue share in 2022 and is anticipated to witness higher growth with a 5.7% CAGR during the forecast timeline. Orthopedic clinics specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including knee-related issues such as osteoarthritis, ligament injuries, and meniscus tears. These clinics have trained orthopedic specialists who assess patients, diagnose their conditions, and recommend appropriate treatment options, including the use of knee braces. Overall, orthopedic clinics play a vital role in diagnosing, treating, and managing knee conditions, including the prescription and fitting of unloader knee braces. Their expertise, patient education, follow-up care, collaboration with manufacturers, and involvement in research and clinical trials contribute to increased adoption and growth of the unloader knee braces industry.
 

North America unloader knee braces market was valued at over USD 139 million in 2022. The region has a relatively high prevalence of knee conditions such as osteoarthritis, ligament injuries, and meniscus tears. These conditions contribute to the demand for unloader knee braces as a non-invasive treatment option, hence driving the market trends. North America has a significant aging population, and advancing age is a risk factor for knee-related issues. As the population ages, the incidence of knee conditions increases, leading to a higher demand for knee braces. Moreover, well-established healthcare infrastructure, strong presence of orthopedic device manufacturers, high disposable income and emphasis on non-invasive treatment are other factors that are further supporting the market growth. Hence, rising disease prone population would drive the regional revenue share positively.
 

Unloader Knee Braces Market Share

Few of the leading players operating in the unloader knee braces market include

• DJO Global, Inc.
• Ossur Corporate
• Breg, Inc.
• Bauerfeind AG
• Superior Braces
• Okaped
• Bledsoe
• Ottobock
• Weber Orthopedic, Inc
• McDavid Knee Guard, Inc.
• and Dicarre LLC 

The major market players are involved in strategic developments including product launches, mergers, partnerships, and acquisition, to expand and strengthen their revenue business prospectus.
 

Unloader Knee Braces Industry News

• In Jan 2019, Leatt Corporation, a key developer and manufacturer of protective equipment and ancillary products launched its Z-Frame knee brace especially for sports related users. This development will aid company in enhancing its brand image, expand product portfolio and improve its revenue generating prospects.
   
• In Feb 2019,  Breg, Inc., a premier provider of sports medicine products and services, launched their next generation unloader knee brace for mild to severe osteoarthritis, Breg Quantum OA. The product features a sleek and intuitive design, and ease of use. This strategic launch helped the company to expand its portfolio and increase their customer base.
   

Unloader knee braces market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) and volume (Units) from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments

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By Product Type

• Custom-fit Knee Braces
• Standard Knee Braces

By Application

• Osteoarthritis
• Ligament Injuries
• Others

By End-use

• Hospitals
• Orthopedic Clinics
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Poland
  • Sweden
  • The Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Indonesia
  • Philippines
  • Vietnam
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Columbia
  • Peru
  • Chile
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Turkey
  • Israel
  • Iran