Global Orthopedic Casts and Splints Market - 2022-2029

Market Overview
The Global "Orthopedic Casts and Splints Market" is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecasting period (2022-2029).
Orthopedic casts and splints are devices used to support and immobilize injured bones and joints. They are commonly used to protect bones and joints while they heal after a fracture or injury. Casts are made of sturdy material, such as plaster or fiberglass, and are applied directly to the skin over the injury. On the other hand, splints are usually made of a softer material, such as foam or padded aluminum, and are secured to the limb with straps. Splints are often used for injuries that do not require as much immobilization as a cast. Casts and splints are designed to stabilize the injured limb and allow for proper healing.

Market Dynamics
The global orthopedic casts and splints market growth is driven by technological advancements; the type and severity of the injury, such as fractures, sprains, and dislocations, suitable for children and adults, provide expected treatment time, and increasing patient preference for casts and splints.
Technology advancements in orthopedics casts and splints drives the market growth
The increasing advancements in technology drive the market worldwide. According to article published in Biomed Research International in 2020, 3D printing technology in the orthopedic field is growing swiftly because of its advantages in personalizing features and rapid manufacture. For the pressure to be more appropriately distributed, a 3D-printed cast is predicted to be more comfortable during the treatment. In addition to the benefit of personalized design and the use of lightweight materials for 3D printing, the novel cast is also more fashionable and portable.
In addition, Materials company Dassiet has launched UCAST, a product line targeted towards hospitals and healthcare centers, making fracture treatment faster and safer both for the patient and nursing staff. A typical cast can take up to 30 minutes to make, while the thermoplastic UCAST cast can be applied in around five minutes. The medical team does not need to wear protective gear when casting UCAST splints because they are constructed entirely of neither toxic nor allergic materials. The splint is comfortable for the patient, lightweight, and breathable.
Limited availability of orthopedic casts and splints will hamper the growth of the market
However, a limited number of medical facilities or healthcare providers can provide orthopedic casts and splints. This can make it difficult for individuals in these areas to access this treatment. In addition, the cost and insurance coverage of orthopedic casts and splints may also limit access to treatment in some areas.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The COVID-19 pandemic has considerably affected the orthopedics casts and splints market. To lesson the chance of the spread of COVID-19, the emerging protocols advise less physician-patient contact, shortening the contact time, and keeping a safe distance. It is recommended that unnecessary casting be avoided if alternative methods are applied, such as in stable ankle fractures and hindfoot/midfoot/forefoot injuries.
As per the article published in The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery in 2020, to reduce the contact time during casting, custom-made 3D printed casts/splints can be ordered remotely, which reduces the number of visits and shortening the contact time while it allows for self-removal by the patient. The cast is printed after the limb is 3D scanned in 5-10 seconds using commercially available 3D scanners. In contrast to conventional casting, a 3D-printed cast/splint is washable and advantageous during an infectious crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Segment Analysis
The splints segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period (2022-2029)
The splints segment accounts for the highest market share. Splint materials are distinguished from casts. Other names, including soft cast or temporary cast, frequently refer to splints. Splints are frequently utilized in the early stages of a fracture or when more firm immobilization is not required. For instance, patients rarely leave the emergency room of a hospital with a cast. Instead, patients are often splinted once their fracture has been identified. Splints are created from a variety of materials. Because there is more space for swelling in this situation, the splint has an advantage. Compartment syndrome is cast therapy’s potentially fatal side effect after a fracture. This syndrome develops when the body experiences an excessive pressure buildup, and it can happen after a fracture when swelling takes place in an area constrained by a cast. While compartment syndrome typically causes severe pain, this can be difficult to distinguish from normal fracture pain after a broken bone. Therefore, most healthcare providers don’t want to risk a complication and will use a splint to ensure adequate room for swelling.

Geographical Analysis
North America region holds the largest market share of the global Orthopedic Casts and Splints market
North America dominates the market for Orthopedic Casts and Splints and is expected to show a similar trend over the forecast period. It is common for orthopedic casts and splints to treat fractures and other injuries to bones and joints. These devices immobilize and support affected body parts while they heal. In North America, orthopedic casts and splints are likely to vary depending on the specific population being treated and the availability of alternative treatments.
There has been a surge toward in recent years using more advanced and specialized orthopedic devices, such as custom-made splints and braces, as well as rehabilitation and physical therapy to help patients recover from injuries and surgeries. There has also been an increase in less invasive procedures, such as arthroscopy, which can often be performed using splints rather than casts.
In addition, in February 2022, Rural Utah Company Merit3D Brought 3D Printed Cast Capabilities to the Western United States. Improvement in scanning technology for tablets and phones has allowed doctors and nurses to carry the scanning equipment in their pockets, and within a day or two, patients are wearing a lightweight, breathable cast that fits the contours of their own arm.

Competitive Landscape
The orthopedic casts and splints market is a moderately competitive presence of local and global companies. Some of the key players which are contributing to the growth of the market are 3M, BSN medical GmbH, DeRoyal Industries, Inc., DJO, LLC, Orfit Industries n.v., Ossur hf., Prime Medical, Inc., Spencer Italia S.r.l., Stryker Corporation, and Zimmer Holdings, Inc., among others. The major players are adopting several growth strategies, such as product launches, acquisitions, and collaborations, contributing to the growth of the orthopedic casts and splints market globally.
For instance,