Cartilage Repair Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Treatment Modalities, By Treatment, By Site (Knee Cartilage Repair, Others), By Application (Hyaline Cartilage, Fibrocartilage), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Cartilage Repair Market Size & Trends

The global cartilage repair market sizewas estimated at USD 5.98 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2025 to 2030. Growth is driven by the increasing incidence of bone and joint disorders, such as Osteoarthritis (OA) or arthritis, as well as advancements in cartilage regeneration technology.

The rising prevalence of OA can be attributed to factors such as the expanding geriatric population and the escalating impact of obesity and other related factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the U.S., approximately 34.2 million people, or 10.5% of the population, have diabetes. Furthermore, adopting smart devices and technological advancements such as AI & data analytics propel the market growth.

The global cartilage repair industry is expected to be driven by the increasing incidence of diabetes and obesity worldwide. Diabetes is associated with heightened cartilage loss, while the rise in obesity, particularly in Latin America and the MEA region, is anticipated to drive the demand for cartilage repair products. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global population aged 60 and older is projected to increase from 1.1 billion in 2023 to 1.4 billion by 2030. This demographic, prone to chronic diseases, is expected to play a vital role in driving the demand for cartilage repair procedures and fueling market growth.

The number of knee surgeries is increasing due to the growing elderly population, rising investments in research and development activities, the increasing preference for minimally invasive procedures, the rising number of road accidents and sports-related injuries, and the growing concerns about obesity-related cartilage loss. However, certain challenges could hinder market growth, such as the high cost of knee cartilage repair surgeries and treatments, complications associated with these procedures among the elderly population, and the limited availability of cartilage-based stem cell products. On the other hand, the market presents opportunities with advancements in technology and knee cartilage repair techniques, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. Stringent government regulations may pose challenges to the growth of the market.

The surge in road accidents and sports-related injuries globally is set to contribute to the demand for cartilage repair products. According to the WHO, in December 2023, every year, around 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, resulting in a disability, underscoring the need for effective cartilage repair solutions. In the U.S., the participation of around 60.0 million children and adolescents in youth sports annually leads to increased injuries among athletes, with 27% specializing in a single sport, according to the National Council of Youth Sports. These factors collectively contribute to the market's growth potential and are expected to drive its expansion in the foreseeable future.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market growth stage is medium, and the pace of market growth is accelerating. In April 2025, Queen Mary University of London developed a new, noninvasive regeneration therapy, marking a significant breakthrough in the treatment of osteochondral defects. The invention uses tiny, soluble polypeptides derived from Agrin to control the cellular repair pathway within the joint. This tailored technique efficiently prevents cartilage degeneration while encouraging the regeneration of new cartilage tissue.

Strategic mergers and acquisitions continue to influence the market dynamics in the cartilage repair industry. In January 2024, Smith+Nephew acquired CartiHeal, a company focused on innovative cartilage regeneration technologies in sports medicine-Agili-C. This acquisition is intended to bolster Smith+Nephew's offerings in knee cartilage repair and broaden its market reach. These strategic actions reflect a growing trend of consolidation within the industry, as companies aim to fortify their market positions through innovation and enhanced capabilities.

The global market for cartilage repair is witnessing remarkable progress, fueled by technological advancements and strategic partnerships. In August 2024, Vericel Corporation launched MACI Arthro, a product made from autologous cultured chondrocytes on a porcine collagen membrane, an FDA-approved treatment for knee cartilage defects. This biologic solution for cartilage repair provides a minimally invasive method, improving surgical results and shortening the recovery period. Furthermore, the emergence of 3D-printed multiphasic scaffolds that include Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) has demonstrated potential in osteochondral tissue engineering, facilitating the chondrogenesis of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BM-MSCs) and paving the way for personalized strategies in cartilage repair.

The market is experiencing a transition toward less invasive procedures, driven by improvements in arthroscopic methods and the application of biologic injections and scaffolds. These advancements are likely to supplant conventional treatments such as laser therapy and corticosteroids, providing more efficient and minimally invasive solutions for cartilage repair. As the sector progresses, continuous research and development initiatives are expected to further enhance growth and patient outcomes in cartilage repair.

Treatment Modality Insights

The cell-based modalities segment held the largest market share of 60.5% in 2024 and is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. This growth is attributable to the growing preference for autologous chondrocyte transplants as a surgical treatment for damaged articular cartilage, including chondral and osteochondral lesions. It is expected to be a significant market driver. This increasing preference is projected to fuel the expansion of the market.

The non-cell-based segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period. The segment is further categorized into tissue scaffolds and cell-free composites. Tissue scaffolds have the ability to promote the development of cartilage and bone when transplanted into joints, particularly in the knees. As a result, they are more extensively utilized than cell-free composites. According to an article in the National Library of Medicine, the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis in the U.S. is projected to increase to 49%, accounting for 78.4 million people (25.9% of the adult population) by 2040.

Treatment Insights

The intrinsic repair stimulus segment held the largest market revenue share and is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. This growth is due to the growing preference for techniques that stimulate the body’s repair mechanisms, such as microfracture and drilling procedures, which recruit mesenchymal stem cells to the site of cartilage injury to promote tissue regeneration. These approaches are increasingly favored because they offer the potential for more durable cartilage repair and improved joint function, particularly in younger, active patients with focal cartilage defects. The rising incidence of osteoarthritis and sports-related injuries continues to drive demand for intrinsic repair stimulus treatments, fueling expansion in this segment.

The palliative segment is expected to experience significant growth over the forecast period. The segment is further categorized into viscosupplementation, debridement & lavage, and others. Viscosupplementation has the ability to supplement synovial fluid and provide symptomatic relief by injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint, making it more extensively utilized than other palliative approaches. Debridement and lavage are accepted as effective short-term techniques for pain management and symptom relief. For instance, evidence-based analyses indicate that lavage debridement can provide up to 12 months of pain relief in patients with early osteoarthritis and mechanical symptoms.

Site Insights

The knee cartilage repair segment held the largest market revenue share in 2024 and is expected to grow during the forecast period. This growth is due to the growing preference for advanced and minimally invasive procedures that address cartilage damage in the knee, including arthroscopic chondroplasty, autologous chondrocyte implantation, osteochondral graft transplantation, and microfracture techniques. The rising incidence of osteoarthritis and sports-related injuries and the growing adoption of new technologies such as 3D bioprinting and biologic scaffolds are expected to be significant market drivers, fueling further expansion of this segment.

The others segment is expected to grow at a significant pace over the forecast period. It includes cartilage repair procedures at anatomical sites such as the hip, ankle, shoulder, and elbow. These procedures address cartilage defects resulting from trauma, overuse, or degenerative diseases in non-knee joints, offering patients pain relief and improved mobility. According to the National Institutes of Health, the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions is rising due to an aging population and increased participation in sports and physical activities. This growing burden of joint injuries drives demand for innovative cartilage repair procedures across multiple anatomical sites, beyond the knee.

Application Insights

The hyaline cartilage segment held the highest revenue share of the cartilage repair industry in 2024. This can be attributed to the growing global occurrence of physical trauma, which can result in osteochondral and chondral lesions in patients. Due to growing urbanization, the number of people at risk of accidental trauma, such as traffic accidents and violence, is also increasing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in November 2021, the number of nonfatal occupational injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints was 286,190. This underscores the growing clinical need for effective cartilage repair solutions, particularly in the hyaline cartilage segment.

The fibrocartilage segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period, primarily due to the patients increasingly seeking minimally invasive procedures for cartilage repair. These procedures are associated with a shorter recovery time and a lower risk of complications than traditional surgical procedures.

Regional Insights

North America cartilage repair market held the largest revenue share of 51.5% of the global cartilage repair industry in 2024 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the increasing prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases, a large target population in the U.S. and Canada, and a change in lifestyle. According to NHS inform, every year, about 500,000 people need hospital care due to fragility fractures, which are bone breaks that happen from low-impact incidents, such as a fall from standing height or less. These fractures typically occur because of osteoporosis.

U.S. Cartilage Repair Market Trends

The U.S. cartilage repair market held the highest revenue share of the regional market in 2024. According to the United States Bone and Joint Initiative, musculoskeletal diseases affect more than 50% of individuals aged 18 and over in the U.S., with the prevalence rising to nearly 75% among those aged 65 and older. The most frequently reported musculoskeletal conditions are trauma, back pain, and arthritis, resulting in numerous healthcare visits to physicians’ offices, emergency departments, and hospitals annually. Musculoskeletal diseases have a notably higher occurrence in the U.S. than circulatory and respiratory diseases.

Europe Cartilage Repair Market Trends

Europe cartilage repair market is growing due to a high number of people suffering from joint and cartilage problems, especially as the population ages. Conditions such as osteoarthritis are common and lead to pain and mobility issues, increasing the need for effective treatments. European health authorities have approved new therapies, such as autologous chondrocyte implantation and products such as Spherox, which use a patient’s cells to repair cartilage. Other innovative solutions, such as the Agili-C scaffold, help regenerate cartilage and bone and have received regulatory approval. Support from the European Union for research and clear regulatory pathways helps these advanced treatments reach the market. As a result, the demand for cartilage repair solutions is expected to increase across Europe.

Asia Pacific Cartilage Repair Market Trends

Asia Pacific cartilage repair market is predicted to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Hip and knee replacement and surgeries are among the most performed procedures in the region. The knee segment in the market is anticipated to grow due to increased knee disorders and the growing geriatric population. Factors such as the rising risk of osteoporosis-related fractures and accidents also contribute to the market's growth. In addition, initiatives to launch advanced products in the region further boost market growth. Osteoarthritis is the primary indication for these surgeries, as it often leads to cartilage damage and the destruction of articular cartilage. Furthermore, the region is witnessing an increasing prevalence of sports-related knee injuries and expanding indications for total knee replacement, driven the growing by preference among patients and providers.

Australia Cartilage Repair Market Trends

Australia cartilage repair market held the highest share of the regional market in 2024. According to the report from Osteoporosis Australia, osteoporosis and osteopenia are significant public health problems in the country. According to Osteoporosis Australia, 4.74 million Australians over 50 years of age (66% of people over 50) had osteoporosis, osteopenia, or poor bone health between 2012 and 2022. It also estimated that by 2022, 6.2 million Australians over 50 would be diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia. This can be attributed to the aging population and the increasing prevalence of obesity, which is a risk factor for osteoporosis.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Some key players in the cartilage repair industry are Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., Anika Therapeutics, Inc., Smith+Nephew, Arthrex, Inc. Key players are taking several strategic initiatives such as product launches, geographical expansions, mergers & acquisitions, and others in emerging and economically favorable regions.

• Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. provides solutions for joint reconstruction, spinal treatment, and dental implants. It prioritizes digital advancements, particularly through its ROSA Robotics system and the ZBEdge connected intelligence platform for orthopedic procedures.

• Anika Therapeutics, Inc. is a joint preservation and regenerative orthopedic solutions company. It focuses on developing innovative biologic products that support cartilage repair and restoration.

Recent Developments

• In January 2025, Zimmer Biomet announced plans to acquire Paragon 28 for approximately USD 1.1 billion to enhance its range of orthopedic surgical devices, particularly in foot and ankle treatments. This acquisition is expected to enhance Zimmer Biomet’s product portfolio, accelerating growth in the foot and ankle industry, and creating a dedicated sales channel leveraging Paragon 28’s specialized team to better serve patients worldwide.

• In April 2019, Smith & Nephew completed the acquisition of Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. Osiris offered a portfolio of products, including skin substitutes, bone grafts, and articular cartilage replacements. This strategic acquisition enhanced Smith & Nephew's presence in the regenerative medicine market.

• In May 2023, Anika announced the successful completion of enrollment in its pivotal U.S. Phase III clinical study for Hyalofast, a single-stage, off-the-shelf, resorbable hyaluronic acid scaffold designed for knee cartilage repair, and plans to seek FDA approval by 2025. Hyalofast, already marketed in over 35 countries, offers a bone-preserving, minimally invasive alternative to current treatments and has been shown to safely and effectively reduce pain and improve joint function in patients with cartilage lesions.

Cartilage Repair Market Report Scope

Global Cartilage Repair Market Report 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 the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global cartilage repair market report on the basis of treatment modality, treatment, site, application, and region:

• Treatment Modality Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Cell based Cartilage Repair

    • Chondrocyte Transplantation / ACI

    • Growth Factor Technology

    • Others

  • Non-cell based Cartilage Repair

    • Tissue Scaffolds

    • Cell Free Composites

    • Others

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

  • Palliative

    • Viscosupplementation

    • Debridement & Lavage

  • Intrinsic Repair Stimulus

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

  • Knee Cartilage Repair

    • Arthroscopic Chondroplasty

    • Autologous Chondrocyte

    • Osteochondral Grafts Transplantation

    • Microfracture

    • Others

  • Others

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

  • Hyaline cartilage

  • Fibrocartilage

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Thailand

    • Australia

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait