VCF Device Market to Grow 10.2 Percent Annually

The global market for minimally invasive vertebral compression fracture (VCF) devices is expected to grow 10.2 percent annually through 2016, according to a forecast fromResearch and Markets.

One of the key factors contributing to the market’s growth is the increasing prevalence of osteoporosis: The disease is responsible for about 85 percent of all VCF cases, according to Research and Markets analysts. Experts claim the sector also is increasingly focusing on reduced risk of cement leakage by vendors.

Analysts said many orthopedic companies are focusing on reducing risks associated with VCFtreatments during and after surgery. As a result, these firms are coming up with advanced equipment which reduces the risk of cement leakage during surgery. In addition, technological advancements have helped reduce the risk in vertebroplasty procedures, and improvements in the quality of balloons used in kyphoplasty surgeries are helping to minimze cement leakage.

The high cost of VCF surgeries, however, could pose a challenge to market growth.

The report fromResearch and Markets also notes that most VCF treatments are expensive for patients in developing nations. Kyphoplasty treatments are more expensive than vertebroplasty procedures, an important factor that could affect the future growth of the minimally invasive VCF device market. Moreover, the high price of these treatments is due to the monopolistic approach in this market, where Medtronic Inc. has acquired nearly 80 percent to 82 percent of the market share, making competitive pricing a virtual rarity.

Research and Markets is an international market research data firm.