Global Cartilage Repair/Regeneration Market Size (2024 - 2029)

Cartilage Repair/Regeneration Market Analysis

The Global Cartilage Repair/Regeneration Market size is estimated at USD 1.52 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 2.89 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 13.70% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The key factors propelling the cartilage repair market are the rising prevalence of joints and bone disorders and the increasing geriatric population. In addition, the rising technological advancements in cartilage repair/regeneration and the growing number of injuries and accidents are further expected to propel market growth forward during the forecast period.

The surge in the burden of musculoskeletal disorders around the globe is expected to fuel the demand for cartilage replacement and repair procedures, and this, in turn, is projected to boost market growth during the study period. For instance, according to June 2024 data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions in Australia, and an estimated 2.1 million (8.3%) people in Australia are living with osteoarthritis in the country.

In addition, according to the same source, osteoarthritis accounted for 2.5% of the total disease burden in Australia and 20% of the total musculoskeletal conditions in 2023. This heightened disease burden translates to the need for cartilage repair to eliminate the pain associated with the condition. Therefore, the increasing burden of musculoskeletal conditions is expected to fuel market growth during the forecast period.

Moreover, the surge in the elderly population and the increased risk of developing joint or knee-related issues are further likely to contribute to the market uptake. For instance, according to a June 2023 article published in Scientific Reports, the aging population in the United States is increasingly facing the public health challenge of osteoporotic fractures. Projections indicated that by 2025, the economic toll of these fractures is projected to exceed USD 25 billion annually, with incidences surpassing 3 million each year. In addition, the data showed that about 12.6% of United States adults aged 50 and older have osteoporosis, while 43.1% have osteopenia, a condition that can lead to osteoporosis.

Thus, the increased risk of developing osteoarthritis and joint-related issues in older adults has facilitated the development of various cell-based and non-cell-based cartilage regenerative solutions to address bone damage issues in elderly populations.

Also, the increased burden of sports-related injuries is projected to augment industry expansion during the study period. For example, based on the January 2024 update from Johns Hopkins University, approximately 30 million children engage in organized sports annually, resulting in over 3.5 million injuries per year. Therefore, such an increasing number of sports-related injuries is expected to facilitate demand for cartilage repair as sports-related injuries can damage the articular cartilage.

Moreover, technological advancements and the development of innovative treatment approaches are driving the growth of the market. For instance, in September 2022, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) approved Alkem Laboratories' StemOne in India. The product is indicated for the management of knee osteoarthritis, and it is the first allogeneic cell therapy product to be approved for commercial use across India.

Also, various initiatives undertaken by market participants to explore new business opportunities through strategic acquisitions and agreements are expected to support market uptake. For instance, in November 2023, Smith+Nephew signed an agreement to acquire CartiHeal, the developer of Agili-C, an innovative sports medicine solution for cartilage regeneration in the knee. Agili-C is the off-the-shelf treatment for osteochondral lesions and is designed to address a broader patient demographic, including individuals with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Such developments undertaken by market players are anticipated to drive new business avenues, and this, in turn, is projected to support market growth over the coming years.

Therefore, abovementioned factors, like the higher burden of bone and joint disorders, the surge in the elderly population, and technological advancements in the cartilage repair arena, are expected to boost market growth during the forecast period.

However, the high costs of cartilage repair procedures and regulatory and reimbursement issues may restrain the market growth.

Global Cartilage Repair/Regeneration Industry Segmentation

As per the scope of the report, cartilage is a white polished material that helps cushion and cover the region where the bones meet joints. It acts as both a lubricating surface and a shock absorber. Cartilage damage can be a hole or crater on the smooth, superficial surface of the joint. The joint may become inflexible, swollen, and tender if left untreated. It can even develop to a stage that requires a total joint replacement with metal and plastic components. Cartilage repair or regeneration is a process that aims to restore injured cartilage by stimulating the body's cells to regrow or replace lost cartilage.

The cartilage repair market is segmented by types of cartilage, treatment modality, treatment type, application, and geography. By type of cartilage, the market is segmented as fibrocartilage, hyaline cartilage, and others. By treatment modality, the market is bifurcated into cell-based and non-cell-based. By treatment type, the market is segmented as a palliative and intrinsic repair stimulus. By application, the market is segmented into knee, spine, ankle, hip, and other applications. By geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and South America. The report also covers market sizes and forecasts for the cartilage repair market in major countries across different regions. For each segment, the market size and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD).