Orthopedic Implant Antibacterial Coatings Surface Treatment Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis by 2027

The orthopedic implant antibacterial coatings surface treatment market is projected to grow significantly, reaching approximately US$ 178,554.80 thousand by 2028, up from US$ 87,155.75 thousand in 2021. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8% from 2021 to 2028.

Several factors are contributing to this market expansion, notably the increasing incidence of infections associated with implants and advancements in antibacterial coating technologies. However, the high costs associated with antimicrobial-coated implants pose a challenge to market growth.

Infections caused by bacteria and the immune responses they trigger have emerged as critical concerns for patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries involving implants. The contamination of traditional biomaterials can lead to bacterial infiltration in surgical sites, resulting in postoperative complications. Consequently, there is a pressing need for coatings that can prevent infections and evade immune responses in orthopedic implants.

Hospitals are witnessing a surge in demand for orthopedic implants, including screws, plates, nails, and artificial joints. Additionally, there is a growing interest in applying anti-biofouling polymers to these implants, which effectively inhibit the adhesion of bacteria and other bio-substances on their surfaces.

Implant-associated infections can arise from multiple factors, such as the effectiveness of antibacterial prophylaxis, the bacterial load present, the types of microorganisms involved, the surgical techniques employed, and the specific types of implants used. The rising rates of these infections are a significant driver for the orthopedic implant antibacterial coatings surface treatment market.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research in 2018 indicated that the prevalence of implant-associated infections among orthopedic trauma patients ranged from 5% to 10%. In the United States, it is estimated that between 750,000 and 1,000,000 cases of implant-associated infections occur annually, leading to over US$ 1.6 billion in additional hospital costs. The increasing use of orthopedic implants has resulted in a rise in the number of infections. Even when infected implants are removed through secondary surgeries, the functionality of the limb and the healing of fractures can be compromised, potentially leading to severe surgical interventions such as amputations or joint replacements. Thus, the high incidence of these infections underscores the need for effective antibacterial coatings, which will further propel market growth.

The demand for antibacterial coatings in orthopedic implants is also driven by the high rates of prosthetic joint infections (PJI), which represent a serious complication following total joint arthroplasty. An article in the Annals of Joint in 2021 reported that the cost of treating PJI in the U.S. is approximately US$ 1.62 billion. The incidence of PJI varies by joint type, with total knee arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty, and total shoulder arthroplasty showing incidences of 0.25% to 2%, 0.5% to 1%, and less than 1%, respectively. Notably, around 23% to 25% of revision total knee arthroplasty procedures and 12% to 15% of total hip arthroplasty procedures are performed due to PJI.

Furthermore, according to a presentation by aap Implantate AG in 2020, it is estimated that up to 30% of orthopedic trauma cases may lead to infections. Fracture-related infections (FRI) are also a significant complication following bone injuries and can be challenging to diagnose. Data from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis) indicates that the prevalence of FRI increased from 8.4 to 10.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants between 2008 and 2018. This rising trend in orthopedic implant-associated infections is expected to boost the demand for antibacterial coatings in orthopedic implants.

Type Insights

The global orthopedic implant antibacterial coatings surface treatment market is categorized into three segments: passive surface finishing/modifications (PSM), active surface finishing/modifications (ASM), and peri-operative antibacterial local carriers or coatings (LCC). In 2020, the ASM segment dominated the market and is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period from 2021 to 2028. ASM involves applying pharmacologically active antibacterial agents, such as antibiotics, antiseptics, metal ions, or organic molecules, to the surfaces of orthopedic implants. These active coatings can transform implants from passive medical devices into drug-loaded devices. Companies like DOT GmbH and Harland Medical Systems, Inc. are key players in providing antibacterial coatings, which is expected to drive market growth.

Material Type Insights

In terms of material type, the orthopedic implant antibacterial coatings surface treatment market is divided into metallic coatings and non-metallic coatings. The metallic coatings segment is projected to hold a larger market share in 2021 and is expected to maintain a significant share due to their high efficacy at low dosage levels without contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Metal-based antimicrobial coatings offer sustainable solutions for combating orthopedic implant-associated infections, further propelling this segment's growth.

Several primary and secondary sources were consulted in preparing the report on the global orthopedic implant antibacterial coatings surface treatment market, including the Annals of Joint 2021, the Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Canadian Joint Replacement Registry (CJRR), and various other reputable organizations and publications.