Sports Medicine Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Product (Arthroscopy, Implants, Prosthetic, Suture, Braces, Support, Physiotherapy, Compression) Application (Shoulder, Elbow, Knee, Hip) End User (Hospital, ASC) – Global Forecast to 2031

The Sports Medicine Market was valued at $5.62  billion in 2023. This market is expected to reach $10.59  billion by 2031, from an estimated $6.1  billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Sports Medicine Market Size & Forecast

Sports medicine deals with the prevention and treatment of injuries related to sports, exercise, or any physical activity. Sports injuries can happen during regular exercise or while playing any sports. Tendonitis, Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), ankle sprains, fractures, and cartilage injuries are some of the major types of sports injuries. The shoulder, knee, elbow, ankle, and hip are the common body parts treated in sports medicine. The sports medicine market includes the surgical devices and support devices required during treatment.

The growth of this market can be attributed to various factors, such as the increasing participation in sports consequently leading to rising incidence of sports injuries, growing demand for minimally invasive surgeries, technological developments in sports medicine, and advancements in implants. Furthermore, the rising popularity of sports in emerging economies and 3D-printed implants are expected to offer growth opportunities.

Sports Medicine Market Growth Drivers

Increasing Incidence of Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are normally caused by direct impact, overuse, or the application of force that is greater than the body part can withstand. The increasing number of people inclined towards sports is raising the risk of sports injuries. For instance, in Ireland, sports participation increased by 3% between 2021–2022 (Source: Irish Sports Monitor). Similarly, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, in 2023, 242 million or 78.8% population in North America participated in an activity one or more times, an increase of 2.2% from 2022.

Repetitive stress injuries are common in high-velocity sports. For instance, in basketball, many players get jumper’s knee or tendinopathy. Many track & field and cross-country athletes are at high risk of bone stress injuries from the constant jumping or heel strike on the pavement. The increasing participation in such sports is driving the sports medicine market. According to the Aspen Institute’s (U.S.) State of Play 2023 report, basketball is the most-played sport after the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. In 2022, approximately 1 in 4 were playing basketball once (total participation). Though total participation in major sports declined between 2019 to 2022, participation in basketball increased by 15%.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of sports surgeries increased owing to the rushing back into sports after a prolonged layoff without proper training or preparation. For instance, in the U.S., from March to September 2020, the injuries associated with basketball, track and field, football, lacrosse, softball, hockey, soccer, and baseball decreased by 60%. The injuries increased by 20% in 2021 and further by 12% in 2022.

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Growing Demand for Minimally Invasive Surgeries

A higher preference for minimally invasive procedures is positively impacting the market. Sports personnel are increasingly preferring minimally invasive procedures over traditional open surgeries. Unlike traditional surgeries, minimally invasive procedures do not require large incisions on the body, thus reducing hospital stays and associated costs. Arthroscopy is the most performed minimally invasive surgery on joints for sports injury. ACL repair, rotator cuff tears, cartilage damage, ligament tears, and others are some of the conditions treated with arthroscopy.

According to the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine, globally, over four million knee arthroscopies are performed every year. Healthcare providers also opt for minimally invasive surgeries as it involves less damage to patients’ bodies. The increasing adoption of arthroscopic procedures for reduced post-surgery complications, rapid recovery, increased safety than traditional surgeries, minimal pain, and reduced in-hospital stay are driving the sports medicine market growth.

Sports Medicine Market Trends

3D Printing in Sports Medicine

In sports medicine, the use of high-performance products can improve a sportsperson’s recovery and performance. 3D printing in sports medicine is used to improve the mechanical properties of current designs and ensure customization and durability. The product enhancements created by 3D printing can lead to faster recovery and reduced rehabilitation time compared to using products created by traditional manufacturing methods and design approaches.

Orthopedic implants are the most widely used application of 3D printing. 3D printed implants are customizable to support unique athletic builds, injuries, and needs, can reduce the patients' wait time, improve pre-surgical procedures, and have same-day production from digital scans for faster treatment of injury and recovery, thus driving the demand. Implants are the most reviewed medical devices made via 3D printing by the U.S. FDA.

Regenerative Medicine in Sports Injury Treatment

Regenerative medicine uses the body’s healing capabilities to replace, repair, or grow damaged or diseased tissues. It is used when sports injury is not healed with traditional nonsurgical treatments. Regenerative medicine includes treatments such as stem cell therapy, cartilage regeneration procedures, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. In sports medicine, regenerative medicine treatments are typically used to replace or repair damaged ligaments, cartilage, or tendons.

Professional sports personnel are inclined towards regenerative medicine for the treatment as regenerative therapy has a shorter recovery time than traditional treatment methods. Additionally, regenerative medicine has a low risk of adverse effects, a painless procedure, no prolonged post-surgery period, and permanently restores the structure of damaged tissue.

Sports Medicine Market Opportunity

Rising Popularity of Sports in Emerging Economies

The countries in emerging economies of Asia-Pacific and Latin America, namely, China, India, Singapore, Brazil, and others, are now becoming popular sports bases for conducting sports championships and tournaments owing to the rising popularity of sports, including basketball, football, and other sports. Rising disposable income, increasing participation in sports, and governments' efforts to modernize the sports infrastructure in the countries are providing the key market players with opportunities for expansion in emerging countries.

For instance, The Sports Facilities Master Plan (SFMP) by Sport Singapore (statutory board under the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth of the Government of Singapore dealing with the sports culture in Singapore) is the initiative under the policy of Vision 2030. The initiative is aimed at providing sporting needs for the residents at the national, regional, town, and neighborhood levels through new public sports facilities as well as the renovation of existing facilities.

Additionally, the countries are also including sports as a part of education. For instance, after the National School Games in 2021, the Brazilian government planned to include sports as a part of education. Thus, the introduction of sports as a part of the education system will give students exposure to a wide variety of sports activities. Thus, the rising risk of injuries among young students is contributing to the market growth.

Sports Medicine Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Product: In 2024, the Body Reconstruction & Repair Products Segment to Dominate the Sports Medicine Market

Based on product, the sports medicine market is segmented into body reconstruction & repair products, body support & recovery products, and accessories. In 2024, the body reconstruction & repair products segment is expected to account for the largest share of 55.1% of the sports medicine market. The majority of body reconstruction & repair is performed using minimally invasive arthroscopies. The preference for minimally invasive arthroscopic surgeries is increasing due to shorter recovery time, less hospital stay, and low risk of infection.

In sports medicine, the growing preference for minimally invasive procedures is positively impacting the number of arthroscopies performed. Additionally, the market players are making investments to meet the growing demand for minimally invasive devices. For instance, in December 2021, Healthium Medtech (India) opened a manufacturing facility in Ahmedabad, India, for the manufacturing company’s arthroscopy portfolio products.

However, the body support & recovery products segment is projected to witness the highest growth rate of 8.8% during the forecast period of 2024–2031. Body support & recovery devices include support devices, braces, physiotherapy devices, and compression clothing. The highest CAGR of the segment is attributed to the increasing usage of compression clothing by athletes and the rising number of knee injuries.

Knee & ankle braces are adopted for the treatment of symptoms like stiffness & pain and recurrence of injury. Thus, the rising number of knee injuries is increasing the adoption of braces. Additionally, the use of braces & support devices during sports, exercise, gym, and other physical activities is increasing, thus driving market growth.

By Application: In 2024, the Knee Injuries Segment to Dominate the Sports Medicine Market

Based on application, the sports medicine market is segmented into shoulder & elbow injuries, hip injuries, knee injuries, neurospinal injuries, and other applications. In 2024, the knee injuries segment is expected to account for the largest share of 48% of the sports medicine market. Knee injuries are the most commonly reported injuries during sports. The rising popularity of high-contact sports such as rugby has also increased the risk of knee injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

According to ChildFund Rugby, rugby is played in more than 120 countries, with over 8 million rugby players registered in competitions across Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. Additionally, availability and advancements in knee injury treatment are contributing to the large share of the segment.

By End User: In 2024, the Hospital & Clinics Segment to Dominate the Sports Medicine Market

Based on end user, the sports medicine market is segmented into hospitals & clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, physiotherapy centers, and other end users. In 2024, the hospital & clinics segment is expected to account for the largest share of the sports medicine market. The large share of the segment is attributed to the increased adoption of advanced techniques in hospitals for the treatment of sports injuries, rising healthcare expenditure, and rising awareness among healthcare professionals.

Additionally, hospitals are partnering with sports leagues, teams, and organizations, thus driving the demand for sports medicine in hospitals. For instance, in August 2023, The Mount Sinai Health System (U.S.) entered into a partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA). With the partnership, Mount Sinai Health System will be the medical services provider of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships until 2026.

However, the ambulatory surgical centers segment (ASC) is projected to witness a considerable growth rate during the forecast period of 2024–2031. The preference for ambulatory surgery centers for surgical procedures is increasing among patients due to long waiting times at hospitals and to reduce the cost associated with hospitalization, thereby driving the demand for sports medicine products at ambulatory surgery centers.

Additionally, the rising number of ambulatory surgical centers is driving the market growth. For instance, in the U.S., according to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, the number of Medicare-certified ASCs has increased to more than 9,280 in 2022 from 5,717 in 2018.

Geographical Analysis

In 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of 36% of the sports medicine market. North America's significant market share is attributed to the high number of sports injuries in the region. According to Johns Hopkins University, in the U.S., about 30 million teens and children participate in some form of organized sports, and more than 3.5 million injuries occur each year. Additionally, increasing sports medical centers, the rising number of sports championships, and the presence of major market players are contributing to the large share of the segment.

Moreover, the market in Asia-Pacific is slated to register the highest growth rate of 9.5% during the forecast period. The countries in Asia-Pacific, including China and India, are projected to offer significant growth opportunities for the vendors in this market. The increasing number of people participating in sports, increasing awareness about physical activity, the emerging healthcare landscape, and regional governments' investment in the development of sports infrastructure are contributing to the growth of the market in the region.

Additionally, major sports tournaments and championships are being organized in Asia-Pacific countries, further supporting the market growth. For instance, Shanghai, China, will host an Olympic qualification tournament from May 16 to 19, 2024, at the Huangpu Riverfront in Shanghai.

Sports Medicine Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive landscape based on an extensive assessment of the product offerings and geographic presence of leading market players and the key growth strategies adopted by them over the past few years 2020–2024. The key players operating in the global sports medicine market are Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (U.S.), Stryker Corporation (U.S.), Johnson & Johnson (U.S.), Madison Ortho (Purto Rico), Katsan Medical Devices (Turkey), Smith & Nephew plc (U.K.), CONMED Corporation (U.S.), Enovis Corporation (U.S.), Arthrex Inc. (U.S.), RTI Surgical (U.S.), Mueller Sports Medicine, Inc. (U.S.), and BREG, Inc. (U.S.). As of 2023, Stryker Corporation (U.S.), Johnson & Johnson (U.S.), Smith & Nephew plc (U.K.), and Arthrex Inc. (U.S.) collectively hold a share of 75%-80% in the global sports medicine market.

Sports Medicine Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In March 2023, Arthrex Inc. (U.S.) launched an ACL TightRope implant for pediatric and young adolescent use. The TightRope implant is used in the surgical treatment of orthopedic injuries.

• In January 2023, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (U.S.) acquired Embody Inc. (U.S.) for USD 275 million. The acquired company is involved in the production of collagen-based implants designed to heal soft tissue injuries. With the acquisition, the company is expanding its sports medicine product portfolio.

Sports Medicine Market Research Summary:

Key questions answered in the sports medicine market report: