Knee Braces Market – By Product, By Application, By End Use, & Global Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Knee Braces Market Size

The global knee braces market was valued at around USD 929.9 million in 2023 and is expected to reach around USD 1.5 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period. The growing prevalence of osteoarthritis, increasing target population, and the launch of affordable, easy-to-wear braces are driving market growth.
 

Additionally, the rise in sports-related injuries further supports this trend. According to Stanford Children's Health, 3.5 million children under 14 suffer sports injuries annually, with knee injuries accounting for 9%. The increase in sports participation, particularly among children, has led to a fivefold rise in ACL injuries, fueling demand for preventive and functional knee braces.
 

Chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease exacerbate osteoarthritis, increasing the need for knee braces. The CDC reports that 27.7% of arthritis patients are obese, 33.7% are diabetic, and 36.4% have heart conditions. The market responds with personalized braces for arthritis sufferers. Rising awareness of osteoarthritis pain, alongside support from agencies like Medicare and Medicaid, which reimburse up to 80% for knee braces, boosts product adoption.
 

With the WHO identifying osteoarthritis as a major global health issue and the post-operative complications of Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgeries leading patients to opt for braces, the market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
 

A knee brace is a medical device designed to provide support, stability, and protection to the knee joint. It is commonly used to prevent injuries during physical activities, aid in the recovery process after an injury or surgery and manage chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. Knee braces come in various forms, including functional, prophylactic, and rehabilitative types, offering compression, alignment, and control of knee movement to alleviate pain and enhance mobility.
 

Knee Braces Market Trends

Technological advancements in knee braces have significantly contributed to market growth by improving the efficacy, comfort, and convenience of these devices. Innovations have led to the development of knee braces that are more effective in providing support and pain relief, thereby attracting a broader user base. Innovations in materials, customization, smart technologies, and design improvements are making knee braces more effective and appealing to a wider range of users, from athletes to elderly patients with chronic conditions. These advancements not only enhance the functionality and comfort of knee braces but also drive higher adoption rates and market expansion.
 

• According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), the knee is one of the most vulnerable joints in the body. While most arthritis braces target only one side of the knee, only 6% of patients have arthritis in one knee compartment. The other 94% suffer from multi-compartment arthritis. Recently, tri-compartment unloading technology, using liquid springs to decompress the knee when bent, was developed to address this need.
   
• In 2017, Spring Loaded Technology introduced the Levitation 2, a bionic brace that reduces knee joint load by up to 64%. Additionally, advancements in materials like carbon fiber, advanced composites, and lightweight metals have led to braces that are both durable and comfortable. Modern braces now feature breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to enhance comfort and minimize skin irritation during extended use.

Knee Braces Market Analysis

Based on product, the market is categorized into functional knee braces, prophylactic knee braces, unloader knee braces and rehabilitative knee braces. The functional knee braces segment dominated the market with a revenue of around USD 385.2 million in 2023.
 

• Functional braces provide stability against anteroposterior and rotational forces, typically used after ACL injuries or surgeries to prevent further damage. The rising incidence of sports-related injuries, particularly ACL and PCL injuries, is driving the growth of this category.
   
• According to the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, over 350,000 ACL repairs were performed in the U.S. in 2017. Key players in the functional knee brace market include Ossur, Breg, MedUSA, and DJOGlobal.
   

Based on application, the knee braces market is categorized into sports-use, ligament, and other applications. The sports-use segment dominated the market with a revenue of around USD 422.5 million in 2023.
 

• The sports-use segment leads the market due to the rising incidence of sports injuries. According to the CDC, approximately 8.6 million sports and recreation-related injuries occur annually in the U.S. Increased use of knee braces during sporting activities and rehabilitation is expected to drive demand. Growing participation in sports and recreational activities, especially in developed countries, is also fueling market growth.
   
• Knee braces, such as prophylactic braces, are widely used to prevent ligament injuries like ACL tears, MCL sprains, and meniscus injuries. Athletes recovering from knee injuries often use braces during rehabilitation to aid recovery and ensure a safe return to sports. The increasing demand for knee braces in sports reflects a growing focus on injury prevention, performance optimization, and rehabilitation, positively impacting market outlook.
   

Based on end-use, the knee braces market is categorized into hospitals, orthopedic clinics, and other end users. The hospitals segment held majority market share in the market with a revenue of around USD 400.4 million in 2023.
 

• The hospital segment is expected to dominate the market, owing to the increasing product usage in hospitals, that is said to promote patient preference for hospitals. Increasing hospitalizations due to orthopedic procedures and knee injuries will further foster business development. Increasing prevalence of orthopedic disorders in line with the availability of highly skilled healthcare professionals are some other characteristics that are propelling the growth of the hospitals segment positively.
   
• In addition, the robust healthcare infrastructure and appropriate patient assistance is expected to positively impact market growth. Thus, accessibility to better treatment & diagnosis and the rising prevalence of these ailments will bolster patient visits to hospitals, thereby propelling the segment revenue.
   

North America knee braces market accounted for USD 363.7 million in revenue in 2023 and is predicted to witness substantial market growth over the analysis timeline.
 

• This high market share is driven by several factors, including the presence of key industry players, a growing number of patients with orthopedic and knee disorders, and an expanding elderly population. For example, data from the National Safety Council shows that in 2021, about 3.2 million people in the U.S. were treated in emergency departments for sports and recreation-related injuries, fueling demand for knee braces.
   
• Additionally, the prevalence of osteoarthritis and other degenerative knee conditions is further driving the need for knee braces. High participation in sports and physical activities also contributes to a significant number of knee injuries, increasing the demand for both protective and rehabilitative braces.
   

Knee Braces Market Share

The knee braces industry is fragmented in nature, with various large multinationals and small and mid-sized companies competing in the industry. The players are constantly involved in strategic initiatives such as, new product launch, technological advancements, regional expansion, and mergers and acquisitions to gain deeper penetration.
 

For instance, in January 2019 Leatt Corporation launched new Z- frame knee braces for contact sports. In February 2019, Breg, Inc. launched Breg Quantum OA for mild to severe osteoarthritis to address the need for pain management in arthritic patients. This emphasis on innovation aims to address evolving patient needs and enhance patient outcomes, positioning companies to gain market share and meet the growing demand for advanced portable medical devices.
 

Knee Braces Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the knee braces industry include:

• 3M Company
• Alex Orthopedic
• Bauerfeind
• Body Sport
• Breg
• Dicarre
• DJO Global
• Essity
• Mava Sports
• McDavid Knee Guard
• Medi-Dyne
• Medline
• Mueller Sports Medicine
• Ossur
• Otto Bock Healthcare GmbH
• Push Braces
• Tynor
• Weber Orthopedic
   

Knee Braces Industry News:

• In September 2021, Össur announced the launch of REBOUND ACL brace, an advance knee brace intended for patients recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This advanced knee brace reduce strain on a patient's ACL and provide a comfortable load on their posterior thigh and anterior tibia and is incorporated with dynamic tension system (DTS). This innovative launch helped the company to enhance their product portfolio and increase their business revenue.
   
• In June 2020, DJO launched the DonJoy X-ROM Post-Op Knee Brace, featuring range of motion (ROM) protection technology for enhanced user experience, ease of application, and adjustability. This brace aids in recovery from ACL repair and other knee surgeries by providing improved comfort, stability, and confidence. The launch expanded DJO’s customer base and strengthened its market presence.
   

Knee braces market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in (USD Million) and volume (Units) from 2021 to 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Functional knee braces
• Prophylactic knee braces
• Unloader knee braces
• Rehabilitative knee braces

Market, By Application

• Sports-use
• Ligament
• Other applications

Market, By End Use

• Hospitals
• Orthopedic clinics
• Other end users

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • The Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE