Total Joint Market: Slowly Recovering
Executive Summary
The $13 billion total joint market is facing a number of challenges coming off the recent recession. Although the demographics related to joint replacement remain strong, manufacturers continue to be plagued by downward pressure on implant prices, a slowdown in procedure volumes, and an ongoing shift in hospital purchasing. Many believe that J&J's recent acquisition of Synthes will spark a wave of consolidation in the industry.
You may also be interested in...
Large Joint Replacement Market: Set For A Rebound?
Beaten down by the great recession, the large joint arthroplasty market appears to be on the cusp of a turnaround, with several big players reporting encouraging Q4 and full-year 2012 results. A full recovery in this space is likely to take some time, but technology advances could help jumpstart the process, and there may be some interesting dynamics ahead in the patient-specific implant and robotic ortho device arenas.
Smaller Players Find Opportunity In Large Joints
Five companies control 95% of the market in hip and knee implants, creating an unfriendly environment for newcomers trying to grab a piece of their own. But economic and regulatory pressures are making things increasingly uncomfortable for the market leaders, giving hope to companies pushing new technologies and sales techniques.
Medical Device Market & Industry Briefs, March 2012
Brief summaries of recent medtech market and industry developments. This month we cover new scrutiny of metal-on-metal hip implants, new developments in reimbursement for carotid artery stenting, and a new report on shifting hospital purchasing patterns.