Injuries to bones and muscles are quite common in India owing to various factors like accidents, sports injuries, aging population etc. Orthopedic devices like braces, supports, casts and splints play a very important role in treatment and rehabilitation of patients suffering from fractures, sprains, strains and other musculoskeletal conditions.
According to various industry reports, the Indian orthopedic industry was valued at around Rs. 8,500 crores in 2020 and is expected to reach Rs. 25,000 crores by 2025, growing at a robust CAGR of over 15%. Braces and supports segment accounts for around 30% of the total orthopedic devices market in India. Other large segments include implants, joint replacement devices, minerals & vitamins and trauma care devices. Rising middle class, nuclear family structures and increased life expectancy are some of the key factors fueling demand for various orthopedic products in India.
Types of Braces And Supports commonly used in India
Some of the commonly used orthopedic braces and supports in India include:
- Knee Braces: Used for injuries like ligament tears, strains and knee arthritis. Hinged and sleeve knee braces are most popular.
- Ankle Braces: Effective in treating ankle sprains and provide compression and support to injured ankle. Lace-up braces are commonly prescribed.
- Wrist Braces: Help in pain management and immobilization of wrist joints post injuries or minor fractures. Thumb spica braces see high demand.
- Elbow Braces: Hinged and sleeve braces help relieve pain from tendonitis, arthritis and instability problems of elbow.
- Shoulder Braces: Common shoulder conditions like rotator cuff injuries, strains etc. are managed using slings and arm supports.
- Back Braces: Useful in back pain from herniated discs, muscle strains. Soft lumbar braces and rigid cervical collars are widely used.
Advanced materials like neoprene, thermoplastic and carbon fibers are now being used to manufacture lightweight, durable and customizable orthosis. Digitally designed braces allowing 3D printing is an upcoming trend.
Current Scenario of Casting In India
India Orthopedic Braces & Support, Casting & Splints is one of the most common orthopedic procedures practiced for treatment of bone fractures. Plaster of Paris remains the material of choice for casting in India due to its easy availability and low cost. However, fiberglass casting is gaining prominence in metropolitan hospitals and nursing homes. Features like high strength, water resistance and radiolucency make fiberglass casts a preferred option, though cost remains a deterrent for widespread adoption.
Along with traditional bulky casts, half casts, short arm casts, walking boots etc. are commonly used types amongst patients. There is a steady increase in use of waterproof casts to allow early bathing and hygiene. Prefabricated casts for minor fractures are also gaining popularity for their convenience. However, shortage of trained orthopedic technicians continues to be a challenge, especially in rural India.
Advancements in Splinting
Splints are extensively used in pre-hospital and emergency care to immobilize injured limbs temporarily before definitive treatment. Common materials currently used are plasters, thermoplastics, aluminum and foam. Recent times have witnessed introduction of innovative splinting solutions:
- Vacuum splints make use of controlled pressure to immobilize injuries effectively while preventing swelling. Ideal for fractures, dislocations and sprains.
- Sam Splint is a popular pre-hospital splinting device made of lightweight, malleable aluminum allowing creation of rigid splints quickly on site.
- Air-Splint utilizes controlled inflation of air to offer customized support and immobilization without bulk. Useful in mass casualty events.
- 3D printed custom splints allow precise contour matching and are an upcoming area with potential to revolutionize emergency splinting.
Thus, there have been significant advancements in splinting technologies empowering paramedics and health workers to deliver timely pre-hospital care to trauma victims.
The Road Ahead
With rising income levels, nuclear families and active lifestyles, incidence of injuries and lifestyle diseases in India will continue to rise in coming decades. This will further boost demand for high-quality, effective and affordable orthopedic products. Major market trends expected are:
- Greater adoption of digital health technologies facilitating custom-fit braces, tele-rehabilitation and remote monitoring.
- Increased preference for value based orthosis over traditional designs focusing more on functionality than aesthetics.
- Wider availability of advanced biomaterial based casting and splinting solutions suitable for Indian conditions.
- Strenthening of rural distribution networks and paramedic training programs to achieve last mile delivery of orthopedic care.
- Rising medical tourism bringing in greater awareness and demand for latest treatment modalities.
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