Medical Crutches Market Size

Medical Crutches Market size was valued at over USD 920.5 million in 2022. Driven by the increasing occurrence of bone-related ailments globally, the industry is poised to grow at over 5% CAGR from 2023 to 2032. 

Medical crutches serve as walking aids by providing balance to patients and offloading weight from lower extremities in bone-related disorders. They assist patients in ambulation by shifting body weight from legs to arms and torso. Rising occurrence of bone-related disorders such as osteoporosis, joint fractures, and osteoarthritis has bolstered the demand for medical crutches. In fact, the US CDC estimates that one in every four people in the US, which constitutes for 23.7% of the population or 58.5 million people, suffer from some form of arthritis. The CDC also projects that these numbers are likely to hit the 78 million mark by 2040.

Injuries related to improper crutch use may constrain industry outlook

Despite a generous growth scenario, injuries related to improper crutch use pose major challenges to industry progress. Some commonly diagnosed problems associated with regular and wrong use of crutches include shoulder pain, hand pain, sore armpits, rib pain, and others. Specifically, the continuous use of a forearm crutch results in compressive neuropathies as the forearm cuff exerts pressure.

Moreover, tall crutches can exert excessive pressure on neck and shoulder while crutches with a low height compel patients to stoop forward, resulting in poor posture. These problems push healthcare providers towards other alternatives such as walkers, canes, and wheelchairs.

Medical Crutches Market Analysis

Based on product, medical crutches market valuation from forearm crutch segment stood at over USD 397 million in 2022. Forearm crutches help maintain the natural position of wrist and hand and help overcome stairs and uneven surfaces. These crutches have less risk of axillary nerve damage, are easier to use, and are more lightweight and compact which allows it to serve as an ideal mobility aid for patients with long-term disabilities. Owing to high availability of wide range of profiles and sizes of forearm crutches that cater to patients’ requirements, they are recommended by doctors.

Based on material, medical crutches market from the aluminum segment is poised to record a valuation of over USD 543 million by 2032. Aluminum crutches offer high stability and durability by offloading weight from injured or post-operative lower limbs, which makes them suitable for people suffering from injuries to their lower extremities. They can also easily be recycled as they are developed using metallic-like materials, which makes them a preferred choice for healthcare facilities. Moreover, recent advancements in aluminum crutch technology for better clinical outcomes is further creating a strong impetus for segment expansion.

North America medical crutches market is expected to record a valuation of over USD 660 million by 2032. Surging prevalence of orthopedic disorders such as osteoporosis has elevated the need for joint replacement procedures, fostering the demand for crutches. As per the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, around 10 million people aged 50 and above have osteoporosis in the US alone.

Regional expansion can also be attributed to strong presence of major market players such as Sunrise Medical, Cardinal Health, among others who are indulged in new product innovations.

Medical Crutches Market Share

Some prominent medical crutches market players are;

• Millennial Medical
• Sunrise Medical
• IWALKFree Inc
• AMG Medical
• Millennial Medical
• Nova Medical Products 
• Ergoactives 

Many firms in the field have been increasingly turning to mergers and acquisition to expand their industry presence in a relatively quick manner. Citing an instance, in January 2023, Ottobock, a German health-tech company announced the acquisition of Pace Rehabilitation, a UK-based provider of prosthetic and rehabilitation services.

This strategic move will help Ottobock grow its patient care network in the UK. Through this acquisition, the company gets an opportunity to enhance and complement its product portfolio in the country.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on medical crutches industry on account supply chain halts and movement restrictions due to stringent lockdowns. The pandemic also led to the cancellation and postponement of non-essential arthroplasty procedures as more resources went towards reducing infection rates, further hampering the market scenario.

However, growing efforts by healthcare authorities towards bringing surgical volume back to normalcy by offering better post-surgery care is likely to help the industry recover in the post-COVID-19 era.

The medical crutches market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2018 to 2032 for the following segments:

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By Product

• Forearm Crutch
• Underarm Crutch
• Platform Crutch
• Leg Support Crutch
• Tetrapod Crutch
• Others

By Material

• Aluminium
• Wood
• Carbon Or Glass Fiber Reinforced Composite
• Thermoplastic
• Others

By Consumer

• Pediatric/Teenager
• Adult

By Payer

• Public
• Private
• Out-of-Pocket

By Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacies
• Medical retail stores
• Online Stores

By End-use

• Hospitals and clinics
• Homecare settings
• Others

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

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Poland
  • Sweden
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Thailand
  • Indonesia
  • Philippines
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Colombia
  • Chile
  • Peru
• MEA
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Israel
  • Egypt
  • Iran