Industry Trends

Europe Artificial Disc Market share was valued at USD 517.3 million in 2019 and is expected to witness 17.4% CAGR from 2019 to 2026.

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Increasing prevalence of cervical and lumbar degenerative disc disease is one of the key factors driving Europe artificial disc market value. Technological advancement in surgical techniques and materials has led to an increased demand for minimally invasive surgical procedures. These procedures ensure restored mobility in the vertebrae following surgery, as well as avoid damage to bone, muscles, nerves and ligaments in the back. Such benefits of minimally invasive disc replacement procedures over fusion procedures will escalate the artificial disc industry growth over the forecast period.

Furthermore, artificial disc replacement in Europe will turn out to be one of the most sought-after medical procedures by the medical tourists. Cost-effective and excellent medical care offered by the European spine surgeons will further spur the regional market size. Availability of advanced and competitive spine surgery facilities and presence of skilled healthcare professionals will prove beneficial for the artificial disc replacement industry expansion. However, lack of reimbursement in certain countries high cost of discs may impede the market progress.

Europe Market, By Type

Cervical artificial disc segment accounted for significant revenue share in 2019 and is anticipated to witness around 18% CAGR over the coming years. Growing patient preference towards cervical artificial disc replacement (CADR) over conventional anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery will favor segment growth. The minimally invasive cervical disc replacement procedure increases mobility and reduces the risk of infections as well as post-surgical complications. Availability of advanced products such as Medtronic’s Prestige LP cervical disc system to replace diseased cervical disc will further accelerate the segment growth in the foreseeable future.

Europe Market, By Material

Metal-on-biopolymer segment held substantial revenue share in 2019 and is projected to exceed USD 1 million by 2026. Segment growth is attributed to growing preference towards metal-on-biopolymer implants owing to its advantages such as improved biocompatibility, less friction as well as flexible and high degree spine movement. In addition, ability of metal-on-biopolymer discs to offer coupled as well as independent motion, owing to its ease of insertion will further foster the product demand over the forecast timeframe.

Europe Market, By Country

UK artificial disc market was valued around USD 85 million in 2019 and will witness similar growth in the foreseeable future due to increasing orthopaedic disease burden in the country. According to the National Health Service (NHS), over 10 million people in the UK suffer from arthritis or related joint conditions. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting around 9 million people in the UK. Increasing prevalence of such diseases, especially among the geriatric population base, advanced healthcare facilities and strong foothold of key industry players will thus accelerate the UK artificial disc market growth.

Competitive Market Share

Some of the major players operating in the market include Medtronic, Globus Medical, Synergy Disc Replacement, DePuy Synthes, Orthofix Medical, B. Braun Melsungen, Paradigm Spine, Stryker, Zimmer Biomet, NuVasive and others. The companies are adopting various strategies including mergers, acquisitions and novel product launches to maintain market position. For instance, in February 2019, Orthofix Medical announced FDA approval of the M6-C artificial cervical disc, for the treatment of cervical disc degeneration. This approval enabled company to strengthen its cervical spine product portfolio and capitalize on market opportunities.

Industry Background

Artificial disc replacement surgery is an alternative to spinal fusion surgery, and involves replacement of degenerated spinal column or disc. The first approved artificial disc implant was invented at the Charite University Hospital in Berlin by Karin Büttner-Janz and Schellnack, east German scientist and an Olympic champion respectively. Later, Dr. Rudolf Bertagnoli developed Prodisc artificial disc and its surgical techniques in Europe and educated around 2,500 surgeons. The late 1980s witnessed technological advancement in the Prodisc and launch of new products such as FlexiCore, activL and Maverick artificial disc. Advent of technology in artificial discs and availability of FDA approved advanced implants, has led to increased patient preference towards artificial disc replacement over the recent years. Moreover, according to the European Medical Tourist Journal data, the artificial disc surgery prices in Germany are almost 75% lower as compared to the U.S. Growth in European medical tourism owing to availability of advanced and high quality treatments at affordable costs will further prove beneficial for the regional industry growth.