Demand for Orthopedic Devices High In Europe, Owing To Increasing Prevalence of Osteoarthritis in the Region

The orthopedic devices include back supports and braces, foot and ankle supports, cervical collars, knee and elbow braces, hip supports, and others. These devices are designed to provide a solution to the problem of back pain or neck pain. Cervical spine collar and lumbar braces are used for patients who have had spinal surgeries.

Demand for orthopedic devices is high in Europe, owing to increasing prevalence of osteoarthritis in the region. According to the study ‘Osteoarthritis in Europe: Impact on health status, work productivity and use of pharmacotherapies in five European countries’ that examined the impact of peripheral joint osteoarthritis across five European countries, UK (43.6%), France, (25.6%), Germany, (15.2%), Spain, (8.4%), and Italy (7.1%) recorded high prevalence of peripheral joint osteoarthritis, with majority of cases aging 55-74 years.

Lumbar braces and cervical collars are used for postural abnormalities. These orthopedic devices are designed to prevent the vertebrae from shifting and allowing the Lumbar spine to function properly. During the development of these devices, the manufacturers need to take into consideration the material that was being used. Some materials include, calcium phosphate-dipped silicon carbide, or the aminexyl lithium chloride-based lithium coat.

Orthopedic devices that are used for back pain and neck pain often need to incorporate the concept of orthopedic materials and devices that are designed to maintain the source of energy, or the source of cellular damage, that is causing the problem. Materials and devices that have this type of philosophy are calling "biocompatible materials". Orthopedic devices that are effective at relieving back pain or reducing swelling in the cervical spine are made with biocompatibility technology.

Some of the most common orthopedic implants are used to help replace joints that have become deformed because of severe obesity or arthritis. Some of these devices also may be used to help correct conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic implants such as those that are made using silicone have been shown to have a positive effect on patients who have undergone hip replacement surgery. The addition of an orthopedic implant to a hip replacement enhances the patient's health and quality of life. This is because the hip joint that has been replaced is free to move around without the risk of deformity or instability.