Composite segments of shoulder fixation and knee ligament reconstruction markets to grow at rates above 50% and 20%, respectively, from 2008 to 2013, according to Millennium Research Group

January 13, 2009—Waltham, Massachusetts— According to Millennium Research Group’s (MRG’s) US Markets for Orthopedic Soft Tissue Solutions 2009 report, there is a growing preference for the use of composite materials in both shoulder fixation and knee ligament reconstruction. Each composite device market will see impressive compound annual growth rates from 2008 to 2013 of over 50% and over 20%, respectively.

Over the next five years, physicians will increasingly shift away from using polymer suture anchors to composite suture anchors in shoulder fixation. Suture anchors composed of composite materials are often embedded with various biocompatible and bioactive materials, such as hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate. In 2008, many companies, including market leader Arthrex, launched composite suture anchors to compete with DePuy Mitek¯the only company to actively market a composite suture anchor in 2007. Over the next 5 years, several more composite suture anchor products are expected to enter the market.

“In the resorbable bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) fixation device segment, there is also a growing shift away from polymer-based materials towards composite devices¯in this case interference screws,” says Kevin Flewwelling, Manager of MRG’s Orthopedics division. “Composite materials not only resorb into the body, but promote bone growth too. In the coming years, new products, such as the BioComposite Interference Screw from Arthrex, will stimulate additional interest in the market as manufacturers promote the use of composite materials. This interest is expected to translate into more than 20% annual growth in the BTB composite interference screw segment of the knee ligament reconstruction market over the next five years.”

MRG’s US Markets for Orthopedic Soft Tissue Solutions 2009 report provides coverage of key industry competitors including Arthrex, ArthroCare, Biomet Sports Medicine, ConMed Linvatec, DePuy Mitek, Genzyme Biosurgery, Joint Restoration Foundation, LifeNet Health, Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation, and Smith & Nephew.