The number of people aged 65 and older is growing faster than any other age group. In fact, for the first time ever, older people outnumber children. This trend has an enormous impact on demand across the healthcare industry, including orthopedics, and in particular, the demand for hip replacement surgeries.
Most people receiving hip replacement surgery are active middle-aged adults. However, there has been a 123% increase in hip replacements for patients as young as 45, as new technology and systems have made the procedure less burdensome.
This adds up to a potential surge in patient demand that without proper preparation, will challenge even the best of healthcare facilities; threatening to outpace technology and the surgical workforce.3
To meet the needs of this growing patient market, medtech companies and healthcare facilities must consider various factors.