Arthroscopy Market Size Analysis:

The Arthroscopy Market Size was valued at USD 6.23 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 8.66 billion by 2032 and grow at a CAGR of 3.76% over the forecast period 2024-2032. This report underscores increasing incidence and prevalence of joint diseases, propelling demand for minimally invasive surgical procedures. The research analyzes expenditure on arthroscopy by region, taking into account the role of economic variables and healthcare infrastructure in market growth. It also discusses new trends and developments, including high-resolution imaging modalities, robot-assisted surgery, and biodegradable implants improving surgical results. Regulatory environment and compliance patterns are a key determinant of market dynamics, guaranteeing product standardization and safety and affecting the new technology approval process. Patient population and behavioral patterns also indicate changing demand towards quicker recovery alternatives, higher awareness of arthroscopic procedures, and rising use of outpatient surgery centers.

Arthroscopy Market Dynamics

Drivers

• The arthroscopy market is driven by the increasing prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and sports injuries.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 528 million individuals across the world are suffering from osteoarthritis, with an increase in the number of cases needing minimally invasive surgical procedures. Also, the increasing usage of arthroscopic surgeries as a result of decreased recovery time, fewer post-operative complications, and increased accuracy is driving the market. The development of arthroscopic technologies, including 4K and 3D visualization systems, robotic-assisted procedures, and AI-based diagnostic equipment, continues to enhance surgical outcomes and promote the use of these procedures. Stryker and Smith + Nephew, among other companies, have created robotic-assisted knee and shoulder arthroscopy systems that streamline procedures and enhance precision. Additionally, an aging population that is more vulnerable to joint diseases is likely to fuel demand. The increasing trend of arthroscopic procedures on an outpatient basis in ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) because of decreased costs and enhanced patient convenience is also driving the market. In addition, positive reimbursement policies in developed economies are persuading more patients to prefer arthroscopic surgeries. The growth of biodegradable implants and absorbable sutures is another major driving factor, providing enhanced healing after the surgery and minimizing revision surgeries.

Restraints

• The arthroscopy market faces significant restraints, primarily due to high procedural costs and limited reimbursement policies in certain regions.

Arthroscopic procedures require costly equipment, including sophisticated visualization systems and robotic technology, that contribute to higher overall treatment expenses. In developing countries, lack of access to healthcare centers and high out-of-pocket payments limit the implementation of arthroscopic procedures. A study by the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery, and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) indicates that almost 30% of patients in low-income countries forgo arthroscopy because they cannot afford it. Moreover, the danger of post-operative complications, including infections, stiffness, and nerve injury, restricts patient choice for these operations. Another limitation is the learning curve of advanced arthroscopic equipment, since surgeons need specialized training to operate robotic-assisted and AI-enhanced devices efficiently. This results in longer adoption times in healthcare systems, especially in underdeveloped areas. Additionally, the high regulatory requirements for medical device approval, i.e., FDA and CE, delay the launch of new arthroscopy devices in the market. Recurring recalls of products due to device failure, i.e., problems with fluid management systems or shaver handpieces, also constitute a major hindrance for manufacturers and clinicians.

Opportunities

• The arthroscopy market presents significant opportunities, particularly in the expansion of outpatient and ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs).

With more than 60% of arthroscopies carring out in ASCs in the developed world, the trend will continue to increase as a result of reduced costs of hospitalization and better outcomes for patients. Advances in technology in minimally invasive arthroscopy, like biodegradable implants, augmented reality-based visualization, and smart suturing equipment, are giving rise to new market opportunities. Another significant growth area is the increase in robotic-assisted and AI-based arthroscopy systems with firms like Medtronic and Stryker heavily investing in future-generation arthroscopic technology. Moreover, growing markets are promising due to the expansion of healthcare infrastructure development and government support for orthopedic procedures. For instance, China and India are heavily investing in healthcare digitalization and advancement of orthopedic surgery, promoting arthroscopy adoption. The growing application of biologics, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy in arthroscopy, is also creating new opportunities for non-invasive treatments. The growing need for disposable arthroscopy devices, designed to minimize infection risks and improve efficiency, is another major growth opportunity. Collaborations between medical device firms and research centers to create cost-effective and AI-based arthroscopy devices are also likely to drive market growth.

Challenges

• The arthroscopy market faces multiple challenges, including device-related complications and safety concerns.

The FDA indicates that about 15% of recent arthroscopic device recalls resulted from mechanical causes, such as shaver faults and fluid seepage within pump systems. Such malfunctions can result in delays in operation and an escalated risk of complication. A prominent challenge is a lack of appropriately trained skilled orthopedic surgeons with proficiency in advanced arthroscopic skills. Research indicates that more than 40% of orthopedic surgeons in developing countries do not have access to arthroscopy training, hindering the widespread application of new methods. Moreover, the adoption of AI and robot-assisted technology in arthroscopy demands massive investment in equipment and training, which is a hurdle for small hospitals and clinics. Ethical issues related to AI-based decision-making in surgery also make it difficult to gain regulatory approvals and patient acceptance. The sophistication of international regulatory systems, where varying standards by region, slows down product introductions and compliance expenses for producers. Additionally, cybersecurity threats to AI-supported and cloud-based arthroscopy platforms pose issues with data privacy and possible hacking. Addressing these issues will call for more spending on training initiatives, regulatory unification, and the creation of fail-safe AI-supported surgical instruments.

Arthroscopy Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product

The arthroscope implants segment accounted for the highest revenue share of 49.4% in 2023, with the growing incidence of joint disorders like osteoarthritis and ligament injuries. The surging demand for biodegradable and innovative 3D-printed implants has also propelled market growth. A rising demand for minimally invasive procedures has also led to the high demand for arthroscopic implants, especially in knee and shoulder surgeries.

The visualization systems market is anticipated to be the fastest-growing due to the mounting popularity of 3D and 4K imaging technologies. High-definition visualization systems are becoming increasingly dependent upon by surgeons in order to bring accuracy to arthroscopic surgery. The rise in the usage of AI-enabled imaging and AR-aided arthroscopy is also contributing towards the speed up in the need for such systems, improving the diagnostic performance as well as outcomes of surgeries.

By Application

The knee segment held the biggest market share of 45.6% in 2023 due to the prevalence of sports injuries, osteoarthritis, and meniscus injuries. The most frequently treated joint in arthroscopic surgery is the knee, with an increased number of ACL and meniscal repair surgeries helping the segment maintain its market lead. In addition, advances in robotic-assisted knee arthroscopy and biologic therapies have driven growth in this segment.

The elbow segment will grow the most due to the increasing prevalence of tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and trauma. The increased awareness of minimally invasive procedures for elbow conditions, combined with improvements in arthroscopic suturing and ligament repair technology, is driving its growth. The rising demand for arthroscopic surgery among professional and amateur athletes for elbow conditions is also a major driver.

Arthroscopy Market Regional Insights

North America led the arthroscopy market in 2023, fueled by the widespread incidence of sports injuries, osteoarthritis, and increasing demand for minimally invasive treatments. The United States is the largest market, underpinned by sophisticated healthcare infrastructure, robust reimbursement policies, and growing adoption of AI-supported arthroscopic surgeries. Moreover, the availability of major industry players and continuous technological innovations, including robotic-assisted arthroscopy and 4K visualization systems, also drive market growth.

Europe accounts for a sizeable share, with Germany, the UK, and France being the top contributors owing to the aging population and a growing number of joint reconstruction surgeries. Favorable healthcare policies and government support for arthroscopic procedures are major growth drivers.

The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing the most rapid growth, driven by a growing patient base, enhanced healthcare facilities, and rising medical tourism. China, Japan, and India are major markets, with a high demand for arthroscopic procedures as a result of an increase in sports injuries and osteoarthritis cases. Cost-effective interventions and government investment in healthcare infrastructure also drive the region's rapid growth.

Key Players and Their Arthroscopy Products

• Conmed Corporation – Y-Knot All-Suture Anchors, Edge Bipolar Arthroscopic RF System, Shaver Handpieces

• Zimmer Biomet – Quattro Suture Anchors, OptiVu Shoulder Arthroscopy System, VersaJet Fluid Management

• Henke Sass Wolf GmbH – Arthroscopes, Endoscopic Camera Systems, Fluid Management Systems

• Johnson & Johnson (DePuy Synthes) – PUREVUE Visualization System, TRUMATCH Personalized Solutions, VAPR Radiofrequency Ablation

• Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG – IMAGE1 S Visualization System, HOPKINS Arthroscopes, Shaver Handpieces

• Arthrex, Inc. – SynergyUHD4 Imaging System, Arthrex CoolCut Shaver System, BioComposite Suture Anchors

• Richard Wolf GmbH – ENDOCAM Logic 4K Visualization System, ArthroDrive Shaver System, Arthroscopic Implants

• Smith + Nephew – DYONICS Shaver System, WEREWOLF Coblation System, LENS Surgical Imaging System

• Medtronic – Aquamantys Bipolar Sealer, STRATAFIX Knotless Tissue Control Device, Fluid Management Systems

• Stryker – CrossFire 2 Ablation System, 1688 AIM 4K Platform, Formula Shaver System

Recent Developments in the Arthroscopy Market

• In Nov 2024, Johnson & Johnson MedTech entered an exclusive distribution agreement with Responsive Arthroscopy Inc. to expand soft tissue solutions in orthopedic sports medicine surgery, enhancing its portfolio in minimally invasive treatments.

• In Oct 2024, Vericel received FDA approval for MACI Arthro, expanding the MACI label to enable arthroscopic delivery for repairing symptomatic knee cartilage defects. This advancement enhances minimally invasive treatment options for knee injuries.