According statistics presented by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), orthopedic problems are the most common reason for people to look for medical services. Over seven million people in the US require hospitalization because of orthopedic conditions.

These significant figures determine the future of the US orthopedics market and turn it into a truly promising economic sector that has the potential to grow in the future.

Apart from the fact that orthopedic services are in high demand, technologies are changing. This enables innovations in the sector and the creation of more efficient orthopedic supplies. The number of products used in orthopedic treatments is significant: post-surgery shoes, splints, braces, orthosis products, cushions, guards and many others.

Over the past 10 years, the US orthopedics market has experienced steady growth and modernization. Economists believe that the growth will continue for many years to come. Today, modern innovations have created opportunities for the creation of high quality implants that may improve the lifestyle of patients.

This sector is to get even more innovative, especially when it comes to the introduction of ‘smart’ implants made of technologically-advanced materials. Though it sounds like something taken out of a science fiction movie, the creation of implants controlled by microprocessors is expected to take place in the very near future.

Apart from serving the needs of the local market, US orthopedic supplies producers are also responsible for a major portion of the export to other countries. Nearly 60 percent of the global market for such medical supplies is generated by American companies.

Its dominant position will be strengthened in the period from 2011 to 2016, especially when it comes to consumption and demand in developing countries. According to predictions by the Millennium Research Group, the US orthopedics market for braces will expand to the significant 1.4 billion dollars by 2015.

Various additional developments will affect the state of the market. Competition coming from orthopedics producers from other parts of the world has the potential to seriously diminish the prices of such products and services. As a result, these will become more affordable and readily accessible.