Weightbearing Low Dose (CT) Systems Market

Weightbearing Low Dose (CT) Systems Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

According to Fact.MR, the global weightbearing low dose (CT) systems market reached a size of US$ 239.1 million in 2022. The market is predicted to expand from a valuation of US$ 254.2 million in 2023 to US$ 500.7 million by 2033, advancing at a CAGR of 7%.

Musculoskeletal disorders, such as osteoarthritis, fractures, and spinal conditions, are becoming increasingly prevalent globally. This rise in cases is expected to drive the demand for weightbearing low dose (CT) systems, thus contributing to market growth.

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2023, 54.4 million adults in the United States have some type of arthritis, with this number expected to rise to 78 million by the year 2040.

Musculoskeletal disorders refer to a wide range of conditions that affect the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and other supportive structures of the body. Some common musculoskeletal disorders include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fractures, spinal conditions (such as herniated discs), and sports injuries. Weightbearing low-dose (CT) systems provide a valuable imaging tool for diagnosing and monitoring these conditions, driving the demand for such systems.

• Sales of weightbearing low dose (CT) systems accounted for 5.5% share of the global CT scanners market in 2022.

Prevalence of obesity is on the rise globally. Excess weight puts additional stress on the musculoskeletal system, leading to conditions such as osteoarthritis, back pain, and joint problems. Weightbearing low-dose (CT) devices are valuable tools for assessing the impact of obesity on weightbearing joints and guiding appropriate treatment strategies. This would have a positive impact on the growth of the weightbearing low dose (CT) systems market.

• As per statistics provided by World Health Organization (2023), more than 528 people were living with osteoarthritis globally as of 2019, of which around 73% were 55 years and above.

Growing aging population has also contributed to the increasing demand for medical imaging services. The elderly often require regular diagnostic screenings, including CT scans, for various age-related health conditions including falls and fracture cases. Low-dose (CT) scanners are preferred in these cases as they minimize radiation exposure, making them the first choice for elderly patients.

• As per the World Health Organization’s (2022) statistics, the percentage of people aged 60 years and above is expected to substantially increase from 12% in 2015 to 22% by the end of 2050.

Increasing geriatric population is also expected to have a positive impact on the demand growth for weightbearing low-dose (CT) equipment over the coming years.

Report Attributes	Details
Weightbearing Low Dose (CT) Systems Market Size (2023)	US$ 254.2 Million
Forecasted Market Value (2033)	US$ 500.7 Million
Global Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	7% CAGR
Market Share of Point-of-Care Extremity CT Scanners (2023)	63.5%
United Kingdom Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	6.9% CAGR
United States Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	6.4% CAGR
South Asia Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	5.7%
Key Companies Profiled	Planmeca Group (PLANMED OY) CurveBeam AI Carestream Health Alphatec Holdings Inc. (EOS Imaging)

Why is Demand for Weightbearing Low Dose (CT) Systems Rising Rapidly?

“Growing Emphasis on Minimizing Radiation Exposure”

The medical community and regulatory bodies are increasingly emphasizing the importance of minimizing radiation exposure in medical imaging. Weightbearing imaging systems address this concern by utilizing lower radiation doses compared to conventional CT scans. This feature has gained attention and increased adoption among healthcare providers.

Technological advancements have played a crucial role in reducing radiation doses in medical imaging systems. Weightbearing CT scanner manufacturers have developed innovative imaging systems and techniques that are designed to deliver the lowest possible radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic image quality. Weightbearing cone beam CT systems are a prime example of such technology, as they utilize advanced hardware and software algorithms to optimize imaging protocols and minimize radiation dose.

Professional societies, government agencies, and regulatory bodies have established guidelines and protocols that promote radiation dose optimization in medical imaging. These guidelines provide recommendations for appropriate imaging techniques, dose monitoring, and dose reduction strategies.

Awareness and implementation of these guidelines have contributed to the adoption of low-dose imaging systems, including weightbearing CT scanners. This is expected to favor the market growth in the coming years.

“Enhanced Visualization and Precise Diagnosis of Weightbearing Low-dose (CT) Systems Compared to Traditional Imaging”

Weightbearing low dose (CT) systems offer several advantages over traditional imaging techniques like X-rays and MRI. They provide better visualization of weightbearing joints, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and treatment planning. Additionally, these systems require lower radiation doses compared to conventional CT scans, reducing the potential risks associated with radiation exposure.

Lower costs, reduced space needs, simpler image capture, and interactive display modes like multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) are further benefits. Weightbearing joints including the knees, hips, ankles, and spine can be shown in high-resolution, three-dimensional pictures thanks to weightbearing low-dose (CT) systems. This makes it possible to more clearly evaluate the bones, cartilage, and soft tissues that make up joints.

These devices also offer improved spatial information compared to X-rays, which only produce two-dimensional images, allowing for more precise diagnosis and treatment planning. These systems allow clinicians to assess joint alignment and stability under the natural load of the body. This is especially important in conditions such as osteoarthritis and ligament injuries, where joint alignment and stability play a critical role.

Traditional imaging modalities such as X-rays and MRI do not provide a comprehensive assessment of joint alignment in weightbearing positions. These advantages are contributing to their increasing use in healthcare thereby, positively impacting market growth.

What are the Main Factors Hindering Market Expansion?

“High Initial Investment Required for Weightbearing Low-dose (CT) Systems”

The market is characterized by intense competition from local manufacturers that offer devices at lower costs. Competition could lead to a fall in equipment prices as a consequence of price wars. For instance, various Chinese manufacturers are selling low-cost products.

Healthcare institutions are hesitant to opt for cost-intensive upgrades as they lead to the erosion of investments. Further, weightbearing low dose (CT) systems can be expensive to purchase and maintain. The initial capital investment, ongoing maintenance, and service costs associated with these systems can pose a significant financial burden for healthcare facilities, especially smaller clinics, and institutions with limited budgets.

The high cost of these systems can thus be a barrier to their widespread adoption, particularly in regions with constrained healthcare resources. This is expected to restrain global market growth.

“Lack of Specialized Technical Expertise in Operating Low Dose (CT) Scanners”

Technical challenges and expertise play a significant role in the adoption and utilization of weightbearing low dose (CT) systems. These systems require specialized technical expertise for operation and interpretation of results accurately. Further, these systems often have specialized features and functionalities requiring proper training and understanding for effective operation.

Healthcare professionals, including radiologists, technologists, and other imaging personnel, need proficiency in handling the system's software, user interface, and technical controls.

The learning curve and training requirements can pose challenges for adoption, particularly in settings where there may be a shortage of skilled professionals or limited access to training programs. This can hamper the adoption of such systems and thus hinder sales of weightbearing low dose (CT) systems market going forward.

Country-wise Insights

What Makes the United States a Lucrative Market for Manufacturers of Weightbearing Low Dose (CT) Systems?

“Growing Awareness of Benefits of Weightbearing Low Dose (CT) Scans in Applications beyond Orthopedics”

The market in the United States is projected to expand at 6.4% CAGR to reach US$ 206.2 million by 2033.

While weightbearing low dose (CT) systems are primarily used in orthopedic applications, there is potential for its expansion into other medical specialties. For example, weightbearing CT in podiatry can be useful for evaluating foot and ankle conditions, sports medicine for assessing athletic injuries, and rehabilitation for monitoring progress and treatment effectiveness. As healthcare providers recognize the benefits of weightbearing CT in these areas, the market in the country is expected to grow.

• As per Harvard University’s statistics, more than 80 million CT scans are performed yearly in the United States as compared to 3 million in 1980.

What is the Demand Outlook for Weightbearing Low Dose (CT) Systems in Germany?

“Rapidly Growing Demand for Advanced Imaging Technology”

The market in Germany is estimated to be valued at US$ 20.7 million in 2023.

In Germany, demand for advanced imaging technology, including weightbearing low-dose (CT) systems, is rising. Healthcare facilities and providers are looking for state-of-the-art equipment to improve diagnostic capabilities and patient care. This demand has been driven by the need for more accurate and detailed imaging, particularly for orthopedic conditions.

Improved diagnostic capabilities of advanced imaging technology are particularly beneficial in orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions, where accurate assessment is critical for diagnosis and treatment planning. This is foreseen to drive market growth in Germany.

• As per the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data 2023, an estimated 159.8 CT examinations per 1000 inhabitants were performed in 2022, across hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers in Germany.

How is the Market Shaping Up in China?

“Increasing Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Driving Demand for Advanced Imaging Systems”

The market in China is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 6.1% across the forecast period (2023 to 2033).

Musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are on the rise in China due to an increasing aging population and changing lifestyle factors. Weightbearing low dose (CT) systems provide advanced imaging capabilities for diagnosing and monitoring these conditions, leading to increased demand for such systems. This is expected to boost the China market in the coming years.

• As per a study published by the National Institutes of Health Journal in 2023, the age-standardized prevalence of osteoporosis among the middle-aged and elderly population in China was around 33.49% in 2021.

Category-wise Insights

Why are Sales of Point-of-Care Extremity CT Scanners Gaining Traction?

“Accessibility, Convenience, and Enhanced Patient Care Associated with Point-of-Care Extremity CT Scanners”

The point-of-care extremity CT scanners segment was valued at US$ 151.8 million in 2022.

Point-of-care extremity CT scanners are designed to be compact and portable, making them easily accessible at the point of care, such as orthopedic clinics, emergency departments, and sports medicine facilities. Their small size allows them to be positioned closer to the patient, reducing the need for patient transportation within a hospital or imaging center. This convenience leads to faster and more efficient imaging, reducing patient waiting times and improving overall workflow.

The combination of accessibility, convenience, timely diagnosis, lower radiation dose, patient comfort, cost-effectiveness, and versatility makes point-of-care extremity CT scanners preferred for focused extremity imaging, enabling efficient and effective care for patients with extremity injuries or conditions.

Which Extremity Accounts for a Leading Market Share?

“Key Role of Weightbearing CT Scanners in Accurate Diagnosis and Assessment of Foot and Ankle Injuries”

Based on extremity, foot & ankle injuries accounted for 34.8% market share in 2022.

Foot and ankle injuries, including fractures, sprains, and ligamentous injuries, are common and frequently encountered in orthopedic practice. These injuries can occur due to sports activities, trauma, accidents, or everyday activities. Weightbearing CT scanners in orthopedics offer precise imaging of the foot and ankle, allowing for accurate diagnosis, assessment of fracture alignment, evaluation of joint space, and detection of soft tissue injuries.

Competitive Landscape

Market players are focusing on product development and innovation to enhance the capabilities of weightbearing low dose (CT) systems. This includes improving image quality, reducing radiation dose, optimizing scanning speed, and incorporating advanced features such as 3D imaging, artificial intelligence algorithms, and specialized software applications.

Advancements in weightbearing CT scanners aim to provide more accurate and efficient diagnoses, leading to better patient outcomes.

• In February 2021, CurveBeam received Canada Health clearance for its HiRise system.
• In June 2017, a partnership was established between medical device companies CurveBeam and Carestream Health to support and facilitate weightbearing computed tomography (CT) imaging teaching and research.

Weightbearing Low Dose (CT) Systems Industry Research Segmentation

• By Product :

  • Bilateral Weightbearing CT Scanners
  • Point-of-Care Extremity CT Scanners
  • Bi-planner Vertical CT Scanners
  • Advanced Visualization Software

• By Extremity :

  • Spine (Cervical & Lumbar)
  • Hip & Pelvis
  • Knee
  • Foot & Ankle
  • Hand/Wrist
  • Elbow

• By End User :

  • Hospitals
  • Diagnostic Imaging Centers
  • Orthopedic Clinics/Centers

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • South Asia
  • East Asia
  • Oceania
  • Middle East and Africa