Author(s):

Farzad Aghakajouii

Introduction:

The European market for small-joint reconstructive implants consists of arthroplasty devices—including shoulder, ankle, elbow, digit, and wrist implants—sold in France, Germany, Italy, and the UK. These devices are used to treat joint conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis. Because these conditions are most prevalent among those over the age of 65, Europe’s aging population will drive demand for these implants over the forecast period. Despite the enduring popularity of arthrodesis to treat some small-joint disorders, higher-priced arthroplasty will be increasingly performed over arthrodesis because it preserves motion in the joints. In addition, manufacturers of reconstructive joint implants will increasingly focus sales and marketing efforts on the high-growth small-joint markets, resulting in greater surgeon training and public awareness of the treatments and products available. This will lead to more patients consulting their physicians and ultimately undergoing small-joint reconstructive implant procedures. Moreover, the introduction of new products, such as modular shoulder implants, will improve procedure outcomes and expand the eligible pool of arthroplasty patients, further supporting procedure volumes and thus reconstructive implant unit sales. Market growth will be slightly curtailed, however, by many governments reducing reimbursement for these reconstructive implants in order to manage costs. Device prices will also experience downward pressure from hospital purchasing groups that demand discounts on high-volume purchases. Despite these market limitations, however, overall revenues will expand at a robust compound annual growth rate over the forecast period.

Questions Answered in This Report:

  *   Increased surgeon training and marketing efforts are boosting surgeon confidence in small-joint arthroplasty procedures and adoption of these implants. How quickly will procedure volumes and implant sales rise over the forecast period? The markets of which European countries will experience the fastest growth? What impact did the global economic recession have on small-joint arthroplasty procedure volumes and sales of small-joint reconstructive implants in 2009?

  *   Across the European countries discussed, aging populations are driving procedure volumes and demand for small-joint reconstructive implants. To what extent will demographic shifts elevate small-joint replacement procedure volumes in Europe over the forecast period? What market segments will be most impacted by this increased demand for procedures? Will the continued use of alternative treatments—including the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and joint fusion surgeries—constrain small-joint arthroplasty implant revenues?

  *   Cost-saving measures and changes to reimbursement rates are restricting device average selling prices (ASPs). How will changes to reimbursement and the influence of large hospital purchasing groups impact the price manufacturers are able to obtain for their small-joint reconstructive implants? To what extent will these cost-saving measures curb the adoption of premium-priced technologies, such as reverse shoulder implants and mobile-bearing ankle implants?

  *   Manufacturer attention is straying from the more established hip and knee implant markets to the development of innovative small-joint reconstructive implants. Why are some manufacturers shifting their research and development focus to the small-joint reconstructive implant market? How will marketing and surgeon training efforts support the adoption of innovative technologies? To what extent will the penetration of these premium-priced implants mitigate the impact of cost-saving measures enacted by hospitals on device ASPs?

Scope:

Regions covered: France, Germany, Italy, and the UK

Segmentation: Our analysis uses the following segmentation of the market in each country:

• Shoulder implants
  • Reverse
  • Primary total
  • Partial
  • Revision
  • Resurfacing
• Ankle implants
  • Mobile bearing
  • Fixed bearing
• Elbow implants
  • Total elbow (semiconstrained and unconstrained)
  • Radial head (metal and silicone)
• Digit implants
  • Finger
  • Toe
  • Thumb
• Wrist implants

Market forecast features: Based on primary research with industry professionals, we use our proprietary forecasting model to provide an in-depth examination of current and future trends in procedure volumes, unit sales, ASPs, and market values over a 7-year period (2008–2014).

Competitive analysis: We provide a detailed analysis of the competitive landscape in the market, as well as market shares and qualitative discussions of the leading competitors in each market segment.