Orthopaedic and fracture appliances market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German orthopaedic and fracture appliances market grew from USD 1 130 million in 2018 to USD 1 695 million in 2021. This expansion was driven by an aging population and a rising number of accidents and trauma cases, which increased demand for devices. A 26% surge in outpatient orthopaedic procedures between 2018 and 2019 further boosted market volume. Technological advances like 3D printing and robotics gained prominence, supporting growth despite temporary elective surgery delays during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

After peaking in 2021, the market value declined to USD 1 596 million in 2022 and USD 1 496 million in 2023, before stabilizing at USD 1 490 million in 2024. During this period, over 100 new orthopaedic devices were introduced in reconstruction, spine, and trauma categories, and adoption of 3D-printed implants and smart sensor-equipped appliances increased. Rising costs for implant materials and regulatory compliance contributed to the market contraction, while demographic factors and a focus on patient-centered digital solutions continued to influence the landscape.

The market remains concentrated around major players such as B. Braun Melsungen AG, Medtronic, Smith & Nephew, Stryker, and Zimmer Biomet, with the medical supply trade as the primary distribution channel. Partnerships for developing customized prostheses and the growth of outpatient care centers have enhanced market access, underpinning long-term demand fundamentals.

Production orthopaedic and fracture appliances in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, Germany's production of orthopaedic and fracture appliances declined. In 2020, output was valued at 1 132 million US dollars, down 1.3% from the previous year. Production increased by 17% between 2017 and 2020, averaging an annual growth rate of 5.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 1 147 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 11.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports orthopaedic and fracture appliances from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's export volume of orthopaedic and fracture appliances fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 3 466 tonnes, a decrease of 7.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 41.7%, with an average annual decline of 16.5%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 7 049 tonnes. The largest decrease occurred in 2019 at 46.9%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 18.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of orthopaedic and fracture appliances in volume terms were not highly concentrated. France accounted for 16.8% of exports, the United Kingdom for 13.9%, and Austria for 8.9%, with these three countries together making up just 39.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's export value of orthopaedic and fracture appliances declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 838 million US dollars, down 20.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 9%, averaging an annual decline of 3.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1 143 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase also in 2018 at 24.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's export value of orthopaedic and fracture appliances was spread across a broad range of partner countries. The United States accounted for 14.3% of exports, Spain for 9.9%, and the Netherlands for 9.1%, with these three countries together representing only 33.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020

Imports orthopaedic and fracture appliances to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's import volume of orthopaedic and fracture appliances decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 9 351 tonnes, a decline of 8.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 12.5%, with an average annual decrease of 4.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, China was the dominant source for Germany's imports of orthopaedic and fracture appliances in volume terms, accounting for 63.1% of imports. Vietnam contributed 6.8% and Mexico 4.3%, with these three countries together making up 74.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Germany's import value of orthopaedic and fracture appliances declined. In 2020, imports were valued at 1 229 million US dollars, down 3.6% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 24.5%, averaging an annual growth rate of 7.6%. The peak value was in 2019 at 1 275 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 21.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico was the leading source for Germany's imports of orthopaedic and fracture appliances in value terms, accounting for 39.9% of imports. The United States contributed 23.7% and Switzerland 16.0%, with these three countries together representing 79.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020