As reimbursement for segments such as shoulder fixation and knee ligament reconstruction has increased, many surgeons, including those performing surgeries in cost-conscious ambulatory surgery centers, have been increasingly choosing premium-priced devices and techniques.
Higher-cost anatomic techniques, such as double-row rotator cuff repairs and double-bundle ACL reconstructions, have seen a boost in adoption under the new reimbursement structure.
The techniques, which allow for fixation that is closer in resemblance to the tissue’s native footprint and provide stronger fixation, use a higher number of devices per procedure, driving market revenues.
According to MRG, due to favorable reimbursement and increased functional benefits of double-row rotator cuff repair, surgeons will continue to gravitate toward the adoption of this anatomic technique.
As a result, there will be continued growth in the shoulder fixation segment and the overall US orthopedic soft tissue solution market through 2015.
MRG Analyst Mashkur Reza said orthopedic soft tissue solution procedure growth slowed, and in some cases, took a step backwards over the last couple of years, as a result of the economic recession.
"These procedures are predominantly elective, and are sensitive to disposable income. With employment rates once again rising, procedural growth rate will peak in 2012 and 2013, after which it will return to typical pre-recession rates over the rest of the forecast period," Reza said.
