The orthopedic prostheses market - Italy

1.1 Introduction

The orthopedic prosthesis market is a sector of growing importance within the Italian health care system, dealing with the provision of artificial devices aimed at replacing or assisting damaged or missing body parts, thus improving the quality of life of patients. These products are divided into: [GruppoFantauzzi]

• Exoprostheses: Prostheses external to the body.
  • Upper limb prostheses
  • Lower limb prostheses
  • Exoskeletal or traditional prostheses: Have a metal or plastic outer shell of the shape of the limb, are permanently rigid, non-adjustable, and more durable.
  • Endoskeletal or modular prostheses: They have an internal skeletal structure in the center, are covered with soft limb-shaped material and synthetic skin, are more pliable and adjustable but less durable.
• Endoprostheses: Internal prostheses, i.e., wrapped by muscle tissue, then implanted by surgery. Among the most common are the hip prosthesis, which can be partial or total (arthroplasty).

Prostheses are an ancient technology, with the earliest records dating back to ancient Egypt. They have developed over the centuries from primitive limb replacements to highly sophisticated devices. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, prostheses became more functional through the use of iron, steel, copper, and wood. In the 18th and 19th centuries, innovators such as Pieter Verduyn and James Potts introduced lighter materials and mechanical joints. Today, prostheses use anti-allergic materials such as silicone, carbon, and titanium, and advanced technology, including microprocessors and chips, to improve function. The future of prosthetics looks exciting, with research underway on sensitive artificial limbs controlled by the brain, promising significant benefits for people with motor disabilities.[Leomagazineofficial]

The global prosthetics and orthotics market size has been estimated at $6.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3 percent from 2023 to 2030.[Grandviewresearch]

This study focuses on the orthopedic prosthetics market in Italy. For information on related markets, such as the mobility aids market, please refer to the specific studies available in the Businesscoot catalog.