Sports medicine market is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period (2024-2031). The market growth is attributed to the gradual transition from proactive to preventive care regarding sports injuries. The increased number of people participating in sports and fitness-related activities has created a huge demand for sports medicine as a preventive care approach. According to the International Journal of Innovative Research in Medical Science, acute injuries were more commonly found in team sports, while overuse injuries were presented in individual sports. Another study observed that training was responsible for 83.0% of the injuries, technique (46.0%), equipment (37.0%), and nutrition (30.0%). Intervention strategies proved to help prevent injuries. This included psychological and behavioral interventions (97.0%) and nutritional changes (50.0%).

Market Dynamics

Growing Demand for Minimally Invasive Procedures

Sports medicine is seeing a rise in the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques owing to their shorter recovery periods, less discomfort, and less scarring. One important minimally invasive surgery that is frequently used to diagnose and treat joint problems is arthroscopy. Arthroscopy can be utilized for ACL and PCL reconstruction, as well as knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, and hip joint repairs as well as rotator cuff problems. Treatment with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) PRP therapy is frequently used to treat injuries to the tendons and ligaments, including rotator cuff tears, tennis elbow, and Achilles tendinitis. Compared to more invasive surgical procedures, this minimally invasive treatment is a safe and effective alternative.

Increasing Adoption of Regenerative Medicine with Technological Advancements

Stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy are two instances of regenerative medicine that are growing increasingly popular. Athletes favor these therapies as they accelerate healing and recovery by utilizing the body's healing abilities. Treatment options are being improved by technological advancements in sports medicine. These include enhanced MRI and ultrasound methods, new developments in surgical instruments, and the incorporation of robotics and artificial intelligence for targeted operations. In the field of orthopedics, orthobiologics is actively employed to treat different musculoskeletal injuries. These therapies are usually utilized as an alternative to surgery in cases where traditional non-surgical treatments have failed to address an injury.

Market Segmentation

• Based on the product, the market is segmented into reconstruction and repair products, support and recovery products, and accessories.

• Based on the application, the market is segmented into back & spine injuries, elbow & wrist injuries, hip & groin injuries, knee injuries, shoulder injuries, and others (foot and ankle injuries).

Reconstruction and Repair Products is Projected to Hold the Largest Segment

The primary factors supporting the growth include surgical instruments, bone reconstruction tools, and soft tissue repair tools are all included in the body reconstruction and repair section. Expanding the use of arthroscopy equipment in minimally invasive operations and expanding utilization of fracture and ligament repair devices are responsible for a sizeable portion of the market share. Additionally, the sector for body reconstruction and repair is predicted to develop as a result of an increase in the frequency of traumatic injuries brought on by an increase in accidents. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, around 31 million people in the US require medical treatment owing to injuries every year. Of these, around 2 million suffer from severe injuries and require hospitalization. Various firms offer adult and pediatric patients the most innovative technologies to optimize patient recovery and performance after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. For instance, in May 2023, Miach Orthopaedics, Inc., developing bio-engineered surgical implants for connective tissue restoration, announced initiation of the Bridge Registry Post-Market Study of the company’s Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration (BEAR) Implant for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears.

Knee Injuries to Hold a Considerable Market Share

The factors supporting segment growth include increasing numbers of injuries to the knee. With the fact that prolonged running and jumping cause wear and strain on the knee joint, they are frequently reported during sports or other physical activities. Advanced therapies include platelet-rich plasma therapy, osteopathic manipulation, soft tissue massage, dry needling, and arthroscopic knee surgery. According to the ASPEN Institute, in November 2023, from period one to five, the average annual anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rate grew 25.9% to 7.3 injuries per 100,000 athlete exposures. ACL injuries represent more than 14.0% of all injuries involving the knee.  The key market players offer treatment for osteochondral (bone and cartilage) lesions with a broader indication than existing treatments. It is indicated to treat a wide patient population, including those with lesions in knees with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, a previously unaddressed condition. For instance, in November 2023, Smith+Nephew, the medical technology company, announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CartiHeal, developer of Agili-C, a novel sports medicine technology for cartilage regeneration in the knee. Under the terms of the agreement, Smith+Nephew pays an initial cash consideration of $180 million at closing, and up to a further $150 million contingent on financial performance.

Regional Outlook

Global sports medicine market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (the UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). 

Global Sports Medicine Market Growth by Region 2024-2031

North America Holds Major Market Share

North America holds a significant share owing to the presence of sports medicine offering companies such as Johnson & Johnson  Inc. (DePuy Synthes), Medtronic PLC, RTI Surgical, Inc., Stryker Corp., and others. The market growth is attributed to the technologically improved medical equipment to treat a variety of orthopedic ailments, high spending, and the presence of a well-developed healthcare infrastructure. According to the Johns Hopkins University, in the US, about 30 million children and teens participate in some form of organized sports, and more than 3.5 million injuries each year. Almost 50.0% of head injuries sustained in sports or recreational activities occur during bicycling, skateboarding, or skating incidents. More than 775,000 children, ages 14 and younger, are treated in hospital emergency rooms for sports-related injuries each year. The key player's expertise in nonsurgical and surgical orthopedic care has established a premier sports medicine in clinical and translational research in sports medicine. For instance, in August 2021, Mass General Brigham Inc. introduced an integrated sports medicine program. The program brings together more than 200 specialized physicians and surgeons, and thousands of healthcare professionals from across the Mass General Brigham system, giving patients access to class treatment no matter where they are.

Market Players Outlook

*Note: Major Players Sorted in No Particular Order.

The major companies serving the global sports medicine market include CONMED Corp., Johnson & Johnson  Inc. (DePuy Synthes), Medtronic PLC, RTI Surgical, Inc., and Stryker Corp. among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market. 

Recent Development

• In May 2023, Banner Health opened Banner Sports Medicine Scottsdale, a comprehensive destination for sports-centered clinical services and performance-boosting programs. The center offers access to quality sports medicine services and professional performance analytics under one roof for injury prevention, repair, and recovery, as well as technical analysis and custom programs.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the sports medicine market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new products, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.