Orthopedic Splints Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product (Fiberglass Splints, Plaster Splints, Tools & Accessories, Others), By Application (Lower Extremity (Hip, Knee, Ankle & Foot), Upper Extremity (Elbow, Hand & Wrist, Shoulder, Neck)), By End-user (Hospitals, Specialty Centers, Others), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 1.78 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.79%
Fastest Growing Segment	Elbow
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 2.64 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Orthopedic Splints Market is projected to grow from USD 1.78 Billion in 2025 to USD 2.64 Billion by 2031 at a 6.79% CAGR. Orthopedic splints are rigid or flexible medical devices designed to immobilize, support, and protect injured bones and soft tissues, thereby facilitating proper alignment and healing following trauma or surgery. The global market is primarily driven by the rising incidence of musculoskeletal conditions and an aging population increasingly susceptible to accidental falls and fractures. According to the National Safety Council, in 2025, musculoskeletal disorders remained the most common workplace injury category in the United States, costing private sector employers nearly $18 billion annually. Additionally, the growing global participation in high-impact sports and recreational activities continues to necessitate effective immobilization solutions, further bolstering product demand.

Despite these strong growth catalysts, the market faces a significant challenge regarding the clinical complications associated with prolonged device usage. Issues such as contact dermatitis, pressure ulcers, and potential nerve compression can severely impact patient comfort and compliance, often leading to reduced treatment adherence. This persistent issue forces healthcare providers to carefully balance the benefits of rigid immobilization against the risks of secondary dermatological or circulatory adverse events, thereby impeding broader market expansion in sensitive patient demographics.

Key Market Drivers

The rapidly aging global population and the concurrent prevalence of osteoporosis are primary catalysts propelling the demand for orthopedic splints. As individuals age, bone density significantly diminishes, making this demographic highly susceptible to fragility fractures from even minor incidents such as low-impact falls. These physiological changes necessitate the frequent use of rigid immobilization devices to ensure correct anatomical alignment and facilitate healing without invasive surgery. According to the National Council on Aging, May 2025, in the 'Get the Facts on Falls Prevention' report, more than one in four adults aged 65 and older falls each year, directly fueling the need for effective injury management solutions. This demographic shift forces healthcare providers to stock a higher volume of supportive splints to address the escalating burden of geriatric trauma and fragility fractures.

Concurrently, the rising rate of sports-related injuries and trauma is significantly bolstering market growth, driven by increased global participation in high-impact recreational activities. Athletes are prone to acute musculoskeletal conditions, including severe sprains and fractures, which demand immediate stabilization to prevent further tissue damage and promote recovery. According to the National Safety Council, in 2025, sports and recreational injuries increased by 17% in 2024 following a period of steady growth, underscoring the critical necessity for accessible emergency splinting products. This upward trend in trauma cases translates into substantial financial expansion for leading orthopedic manufacturers. According to Stryker, January 2025, in the '2024 Operating Results' report, net sales for their Trauma and Extremities segment increased by 11.4% to reach $3.5 billion, reflecting the intensifying consumption of immobilization devices within this high-acuity sector.

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Key Market Challenges

The primary challenge hampering the growth of the Global Orthopedic Splints Market is the prevalence of clinical complications associated with prolonged device usage, such as contact dermatitis, pressure ulcers, and nerve compression. These adverse events significantly degrade patient comfort and often necessitate the premature removal or modification of the immobilization device, directly interrupting the continuity of care required for optimal bone healing. This disruption forces healthcare providers to prioritize tissue integrity over rigid stabilization, leading to a hesitation in prescribing standard splinting solutions for patients with compromised skin or sensation, thereby narrowing the addressable market for these devices.

The safety risks inherent in long-term immobilization create a substantial barrier to product adoption in acute care settings where minimizing secondary hospital-acquired conditions is a financial and clinical priority. According to the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel, in 2025, medical device-related pressure injuries accounted for approximately 30% of all reported hospital-acquired pressure injuries. This high incidence rate highlights the significant liability and cost burden associated with rigid immobilization devices. Consequently, orthopedic facilities are increasingly cautious regarding widespread product utilization, effectively slowing market expansion within sensitive demographics.

Key Market Trends

The Adoption of 3D Printing Technology for Highly Customized Splints is revolutionizing the sector by addressing the limitations of traditional casting methods. Manufacturers are increasingly leveraging additive manufacturing to create patient-specific immobilization devices that offer superior breathability, hygiene, and comfort compared to plaster or fiberglass alternatives. This technology enables clinicians to scan a patient's limb and fabricate a precise, waterproof splint in a fraction of the time required for conventional customization, significantly enhancing clinical workflow. The financial viability of this technological shift is evident in the performance of major industry players. According to Stratasys, August 2025, in the 'Q2 2025 Earnings Call', sales of 3D printing systems grew to $30.6 million, reflecting the surging demand for additive manufacturing solutions across the medical and industrial sectors.

Concurrently, the Rising Preference for Home-Based and Outpatient Orthopedic Care is reshaping product requirements, demanding more versatile and user-friendly immobilization solutions. As healthcare systems strive to reduce hospital admissions and associated costs, there is a distinct transition of procedures towards Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) and home recovery settings. This shift necessitates splints that are lightweight, removable, and easily managed by patients without constant professional supervision, thereby driving innovation in non-invasive support designs. This structural change in care delivery is a critical factor influencing overall market expansion. According to Gabelli, April 2025, in the 'Orthopedics Market 2025 Update', the worldwide orthopedic market increased by 6% in 2024, a growth trajectory primarily sustained by the rapid expansion of procedure volumes within Ambulatory Surgery Centers.

Segmental Insights

The Elbow segment is distinguishing itself as the fastest-growing category in the Global Orthopedic Splints Market, primarily driven by the escalating incidence of sports-related injuries and repetitive strain disorders. Market analysis highlights a significant surge in conditions such as lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, which necessitates effective non-invasive immobilization. Additionally, the World Health Organization notes a rising global burden of musculoskeletal conditions among the aging population, creating sustained demand for rehabilitative support. Manufacturers are responding with ergonomic, breathable splint designs that enhance patient compliance, further accelerating adoption across clinical and home-care settings.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a dominant position in the global orthopedic splints market, primarily driven by the high incidence of osteoporotic fractures and sports-related injuries. The region benefits from an established healthcare framework that facilitates early diagnosis and treatment. Market expansion is further supported by favorable reimbursement policies under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which enhance patient accessibility to essential orthopedic care. Additionally, the presence of major manufacturers and adherence to rigorous product standards enforced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ensure the consistent availability of compliant medical devices.

Recent Developments

• In October 2025, the Atlanta VA Healthcare System announced it had become the first Department of Veterans Affairs facility to provide ActivArmor's custom 3D-printed casts and splints to veterans. This collaboration, established through a contract with the Defense Health Agency, allowed the medical center to produce waterproof, breathable, and sanitizable orthopedic devices tailored to each patient's anatomy. The initiative aimed to improve hygiene and comfort for veterans requiring immobilization for musculoskeletal conditions, replacing traditional plaster or fiberglass options. The facility planned to utilize the technology for various applications, including orthopedics, podiatry, and post-surgical care.
• In January 2025, Dassiet's UCAST product line was highlighted by Performance Health as a sustainable innovation in hand therapy splinting. The UCAST system, constructed from biodegradable wood-composite materials, was featured for its zero-waste application process and ability to be applied in approximately five minutes without the need for water or harsh chemicals. This development represented a shift from traditional thermoplastic splinting methods, offering clinicians a more efficient, eco-friendly, and patient-centered solution for immobilizing injuries. The launch underscored a growing trend towards sustainable medical devices in the orthopedic market, addressing both clinical efficiency and environmental impact.
• In November 2024, OrthoPediatrics Corp. announced significant updates to its DF2 Brace, a product within its Specialty Bracing business designed as an alternative to traditional spica casting for pediatric patients. The company expanded the brace's indications to include post-operative stabilization for femur fractures and introduced a wider range of sizes to accommodate more patients. Additionally, OrthoPediatrics launched the device in international markets, including Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, to broaden access to this specialized orthopedic solution. This strategic expansion aimed to improve quality of life for children requiring immobilization by offering a modern alternative to rigid casting.
• In July 2024, Enovis Corporation showcased its latest orthopedic bracing technologies at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) Annual Meeting. The company introduced the DonJoy Defiance PRO, a custom knee brace designed with a carbon fiber frame for lightweight strength and personalized fit, and the DonJoy X-ACT Fit Shoulder Brace, which featured a customizable multi-angle system for post-operative immobilization. These new products were developed to enhance patient comfort and provide precise stabilization for recovery and injury prevention in athletes and patients, reinforcing the company's commitment to advancing orthopedic bracing solutions.

Key Market Players

• Essity AB
• Tri-Tech Forensics, Inc.
• 3M Company
• Otto Bock Healthcare GmbH
• DeRoyal Industries Inc
• medi GmbH & Co. KG
• Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc
• Stryker Corporation
• United MedicareBreg, Inc
• Ossur hf

By Product	By Application	By End-user	By Region
Fiberglass Splints Plaster Splints Tools & Accessories Others	Lower Extremity (Hip Knee Ankle & Foot) Upper Extremity (Elbow H& Wrist Shoulder Neck)	Hospitals Specialty Centers Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Orthopedic Splints Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Orthopedic Splints Market, By Product:

• Fiberglass Splints
• Plaster Splints
• Tools & Accessories
• Others

• Orthopedic Splints Market, By Application:

• Lower Extremity (Hip
• Knee
• Ankle & Foot)
• Upper Extremity (Elbow
• H& Wrist
• Shoulder
• Neck)

• Orthopedic Splints Market, By End-user:

• Hospitals
• Specialty Centers
• Others

• Orthopedic Splints Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE