Global sales of orthobiologics for musculoskeletal soft tissue replacement and regeneration are predicted to hit $1.4bn by 2021, driven largely by rising numbers of sports injuries requiring treatment, but also by a higher prevalence of osteoarthritis and a need for innovative treatments for musculoskeletal repair. This article offers an in-depth look at the orthobiologics market landscape for cartilage, meniscus and ligament/tendon replacement and regeneration, as well as insight from an orthopedic surgeon. It also analyzes key players in these markets and highlights emerging trends and the greatest barriers for wider adoption of products.

Although the US sports medicine market is dominated by conservative care treatments, new surgical techniques, arthroscopy products and surgical implants are fueling growth in the market, which is projected to reach almost $15.5 billion by 2018. Industry consolidation and dealmaking among orthopedic manufacturers has yielded several partnerships and M&As that have included a sports medicine element.

The musculoskeletal sector continues to be bogged down by the economic downturn, and particularly hard hit is the industry’s largest segment: the $13 billion total joint market. Companies are now scouting out the next technology wave in orthopedics, and the record attendance at the recent International Cartilage Repair Society meeting may be one indication of where the action will be for some time to come.

One of the hottest topics at the 2007 AAOS was the the trend toward resurfacing rather than completely replacing joints damaged by arthritis and other causes. There are a variety of metallic, synthetic and biologic methods used in hip, knee, shoulder and extremity joint resurfacing, many designed for younger patients who wish to remain active and avoid total joint replacement.