Essential in a number of medical procedures such as fractures and bone disorders, bone substitutes are anticipated to witness a steady rate of growth in the near future owing to rapid innovations to relevant technologies, including tissue engineered bone grafts, and synthetic bone substitutes are significantly increasing the demand for these materials.
Rising incidences of bone disorders such as osteoporosis and fractures from weaker bones are anticipated to create a strong requirement for bone substitutes. Major market players are focusing on expanding their product portfolio through innovative developments, which is expected to bode well for the foreseeable future of the bone substitute market.
Advancements in Bone Substitute Materials Generate Higher Adoption
Bone graft substitutes find widespread applications for a number of health procedures ranging from bone replacements, treatment for post traumatic damage, spinal fusion, and other bone and joint problems. The growing number of patients with spinal disorders has been created a rising demand for specialized bone graft substitutes for this purpose. The growing use of newer substitute materials such as tricalcium phosphate or demineralized bone matrixes, has eliminated the need for auto grafting processes in cases of spinal fusion. In addition, bone substitutes for joint reconstruction surgeries are anticipated to rise with the growing incidences of disorders such as arthritis.
For example, Baxter International Inc. leading medical firm which specializes in research for surgical developments announced that its Actifuse Flow bone graft substitute had gained the approval of the FDA. This product uniquely used pre-packaged delivery syringes for accurate administration of the material, which is claimed to boost the formation of silicates within the body that encourage the regrowth of bone tissue, to repair small defects or minor geometric devices of the targeted bone.
Similarly, researchers from the National Chemical Laboratory of India announced the development of innovative bone substitutes, backed by the Biotechnology Industrial Research Assistance Council. The material combined calcium, phosphorus, and sodium, which is very close to the natural composition of bones, which allows faster treatment response by the body and improved speeds of healing.
The Imperial College in London collaborated with researchers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to develop an active bioglass material, containing magnesium and potassium oxides, which provides high levels of robustness, without compromising on the requisite level of porosity.
Hospital Procedures to Display High Adoption of Bone Substitutes
Bone substitute products are used commonly in healthcare facilities such as orthopedic centers, outpatient centers, and hospitals. Of these, hospitals are widely observed to be the primary end user for such materials. This can be largely attributed to the advanced infrastructure and tie ups with major producers of bone substitute products.
In addition, hospitals are also given higher preference by patients, owing to the presence of expert practitioners, advanced technology, and higher levels of healthcare services. Furthermore, the rapidly expanding base of geriatric populations and the introduction of new orthopedic centers, particularly in emerging economies are also key factors that are driving the use of modern bone substitutes in hospitals across the globe.
Calcium Sulphate Gains Popularity as Bone Substitute Material
The calcium sulphate market has witnessed steady growth from applications in the development of bone substitute materials. This can be attributed to the superlative osteoconductive, and osteoinductive characteristics of the material. Calcium sulphate is also known for its rapid rate of resorption, biocompatibility, and its unique ability to rapidly begin growth of the bone in the same region. It is known for being bio inert, while being naturally replaced by fibrovascular tissue for improved rate of regrowth in the damaged bone area.
While bone grafts of an auto-genous nature are highly preferred by healthcare professionals, it is limited by issues such as the necessities for extra surgeries, morbidity in the donor site, and highly limited replacements. In such cases, calcium sulphate bone substitutes provide a easily available, efficient and safe alternative for treating bone defects.
The use of calcium sulphate for bone substitution is recommended for effectively treating bone defects after the usage of curettes in cases of osteomyelitis or trauma. It is also used in auto graft procedures as a graft expander, especially where the availability of soft tissue is not restricted.
To know more? Download sample report.
