The rigid knee braces market consist of products that provide support and stability to the knee joint. Rigid knee braces are made of lightweight yet rigid plastic or metal frames with strap closures allowing flexible hinge movement while offering immobilization to the knee. They are preferred for moderate to severe knee injuries like ACL, PCL tears or meniscus injuries as they limit knee motion more effectively than soft knee braces. Rigid knee braces are commonly used by athletes during recovery from knee injuries or surgeries to aid healing while still allowing controlled movement. They also provide compression for pain management in conditions like osteoarthritis.

The Global Rigid Knee Braces Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 1142.1 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.6% over the forecast period 2024 to 2030.

Key Takeaways

Key players operating in the rigid knee braces market are Mueller Sports Medicine, Inc., DJO Global, LLC, ACE Brand, Tynor Orthotics Private Limited, 3M Science, Mava Sports, Bauerfeind AG, Breg, Inc., Ossur, Thuasne USA, Zimmer Biomet, Kao Chen Enterprise Co., Ltd, Össur, Orthosys, Bauerfeind USA Inc., Orliman S.L.U., Steeper Inc., Beagle Orthopedic, Essity Medical Solutions, Bird & Cronin, LLC, Ottobock, Trulife, DeRoyal Industries, Inc., and Remington Medical Equipment. Key players are investing in new product launches to strengthen their market position and expanding business to emerging countries for tapping the untapped potential.

Demand for rigid knee braces is significantly rising owing to the increasing number of sports injuries worldwide. Rise in participation of individuals in sports and recreational physical activities has led to a substantial surge in knee injuries. Rigid knee braces are widely used by athletes and active individuals for injury recovery and prevention during sports. Moreover, growing incidence of osteoarthritis due to obesity and aging population is another factor boosting sales of rigid knee braces.

The global rigid knee braces market is witnessing high growth owing to increasing geographical expanse of key players. Leading manufacturers are strengthening their distribution network across developing regions like Asia Pacific and Latin America for tapping the lucrative opportunities in these emerging economies. Favorable reimbursement policies for knee braces along with rising healthcare expenditure is encouraging adoption in developed markets like North America and Europe.

Market drivers

Rising number of sports injuries is a major factor driving the rigid knee braces market. Participation in sports and recreational physical activities has significantly increased globally in last few decades. However, along with the health benefits, this has also led to higher risks of knee injuries. Some common knee injuries witnessed among athletes include tears of the ACL, meniscus, patellar tendon injuries or ligament sprains. Rigid knee braces are effective in injury recovery and prevention during sports activities. Therefore, growing sports injuries are propelling the demand for rigid knee braces.

The ongoing geopolitical conflicts and tensions across many regions have negatively impacted the growth of the global rigid knee braces market. The rising military expenditures by major economies on defense equipment and infrastructure have reduced investments in healthcare sectors. Many developing countries that were earlier focusing on improving healthcare access and quality are now diverting funds to strengthen their armed forces amid geostrategic uncertainties.

This has restricted the budget available for prosthetic and orthopedic devices markets including rigid knee braces. Heightened trade barriers and sanctions between nations are also disrupting supply chains and international commerce. This is affecting the availability of key raw materials and components used in knee braces manufacturing. The inflationary pressures caused by high energy costs and supply bottlenecks have increased the overall production costs for rigid knee brace companies.

Many small manufacturers are finding it difficult to sustain due to rising operating expenses. The depreciating currencies and economic downturns in different parts of the world have weakened the purchasing power of consumers, reducing the demand for rigid knee braces. Going forward, companies must build resilient and agile supply networks, diversify supplier bases, explore new markets and focus on cost optimization to navigate the geopolitical headwinds and sustain growth.

The North American region currently dominates the global rigid knee braces market in terms of value and is estimated to continue its leadership during the forecast years. This is attributed to the rising prevalence of osteoporosis, arthritis, sports injuries and other knee conditions among the growing aging population combined with the high accessibility to advanced healthcare facilities.

Countries like the U.S. and Canada are major revenue generators for rigid knee braces manufacturers. Europe follows North America as the second largest and fastest growing regional market, supported by favorable reimbursement rates, increasing healthcare expenditures and growing public awareness about knee care products.

The Asia Pacific region is projected to witness the highest growth in the rigid knee braces market value during the forecast period due to rapidly improving healthcare infrastructure, rising medical tourism, growing middle-class population and enhancing acceptance of orthopedic bracing solutions, especially in China, India and Japan. Though at a nascent stage, the markets in Latin America and Middle East & Africa are expected to offer new opportunities for companies operating in the rigid knee braces industry.

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it