Medical Crutches Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Underarm Crutch, Forearm Crutch, Tetrapod Crutch), By Material, By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global medical crutches market size was valued at USD 727.4 million in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2023-2030. This growth can be attributed to the high number of surgeries performed worldwide which is contributing to the demand for medical crutches. Moreover, there is a high prevalence of osteoporosis and other bone-related disorders globally. This further propels the demand for medical crutches globally.

The COVID-19 pandemic initially led to a negative impact on demand for products. The supply chain was highly disrupted due to the pandemic. The pandemic impacted the overall shipping and logistics of crutches and personal care products globally which also resulted in the high cost of container shipping. The rising cost of supply chain and logistics has had an adverse effect on the company’s finances and liquidity. However, the market is again steadily increasing in every region post-COVID-19 pandemic as the need and demand for crutches increases.

The prices of medical crutches are usually inexpensive. They range from USD 50-USD 200. As these crutches are inexpensive, it is likely that the majority of orthopedic patients and those who underwent surgery will use these crutches as compared to wheelchairs and other walking aids. All these factors are likely to support the growth of the market.

Globally over, 310 million surgeries are performed every year. Over 20 million are performed in Europe and over 40-50 million are performed in the U.S. Significant number of people undergoing surgeries globally is expected to improve the demand for medical crutches in the future.

Product Insights

The forearm crutch segment led the market with the highest revenue share of 33.8% in 2022. Based on product, the market is segmented into an underarm crutch, forearm crutch, leg support crutch, tetrapod crutch, and others. People who have permanent disabilities or who have sustained short-term injuries use forearm crutches. These disabilities are caused by accidents. The high incidence of accidents is expected to increase the demand for forearm crutches. 

According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Japan, Korea, Germany, and Italy had the highest incidence of road accidents in 2021. In 2021, over 361,562 people were injured in road accidents in Japan, while 323,129 people were injured in road accidents in Germany. This is anticipated to increase demand for forearm crutches, particularly in these countries, and thus support segment’s growth. 

The segment of underarm crutch is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period. People recovering from surgery or people whose legs are amputated usually use these crutches. These crutches take less upper body strength and body control than forearm crutches. Amputee Coalition in 2021 stated that over 2.1 million people are living with limb loss in the U.S. and over 3.6 million people will be living with limb loss in the U.S. by 2050. Furthermore, over 507 lose their limbs every day in the country. A high incidence of limb loss is expected to increase the demand for an underarm crutch and thus support the segment growth.

Material Insights

The metal alloy segment held a maximum share of 38.0% in 2022. Based on type, the market is segmented into wood, metal alloy, carbon or glass fiber reinforced composite, and others. Metal alloy crutches are inexpensive, lightweight, and durable, and are preferred especially by people who require their use for long duration. This is expected to improve the adoption of these crutches among people with long-term disability or geriatrics. All these factors are improving the adoption of metal alloy crutches in the market. 

The carbon or glass fiber reinforced composite segment is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR of 6.9%. These types of crutches are considered the strongest and lightest. These crutches are stronger than metal alloy crutches. These do not bend and break easily. They support over 140 kg of weight. Owing to this reason they can be easily used by people suffering from obesity. However, it is considered expensive as compared to the metal. This is expected to affect its share in the medical crutches market.

End-Use Insights

The adult segment led the market with a maximum share of 52.2% in 2022. Based on end-use, the market is segmented into children, adults, and others. Adults aged (18-64 years) are a major part of the global population. A large proportion of people in this age group suffer from amputations, accidents, long-term disabilities, and short-term disabilities. Majority of surgeries are also conducted on people in this age group. These factors continue to propel high demand for medical crutches among adults.

The children segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% across the forecast period. A significant number of children worldwide have some form of disability. For instance, in November 2021, the UNICEF stated that over 240 million children are born with some form of disability. Moreover, the WHO, also states that road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children. All these factors promote the demand in the children segment in the market.

Regional Insights

North America is expected to witness the largest market share of 34.9% in 2022. The factors such as the advanced healthcare infrastructure, the presence of favorable government policies, and the highly aging population are some factors contributing to its large share. According to CDC, nearly 61 million adults in the U.S. live with a disability. In addition, the majority of market players have a presence in this region. All these factors are supporting the regional market growth.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.7% across the forecast period. The growing population of the region and the high geriatric population are expected to increase the number of people with disabilities in the region. Moreover, the region suffers from a high rate of accidents. For instance, in India, over 4,12,432 accidents were caused in 2021, as per the report of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of India. All these factors are supporting the demand for medical crutches in the region.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Market players are undertaking various strategic initiatives such as the launch of new product partnerships, collaborations, mergers and acquisitions, geographic expansion, aiming to strengthen their product portfolio, and provide a competitive advantage. For instance, Flexmotiv launched slip-resistant crutches in August 2019 that reduce jarring forces while walking by up to 5-10%, making them ideal for the elderly and disabled. 

Some prominent players in the global medical crutches market include:

• Sunrise Medical

• Nova Medical Products

• Millennial Medical

• Chinesport

• IWALKFree

• Cardinal Health

• Home Medical Products

• New York Millennium Pharmaceutical

• AMG Medical

• Breg, Inc

• Valley Tool Die, Inc.

Medical Crutches Market Report Scope

Global Medical Crutches Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global medical crutches market report based on product, material, end-use, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Underarm Crutch

  • Forearm Crutch

  • Tetrapod Crutch

  • Leg Support Crutch

  • Others

• Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Wood

  • Metal Alloy

  • Carbon Or Glass Fiber Reinforced Composite

  • Others

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Children

  • Adults

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Thailand

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait