In Europe, there is a growing trend towards minimally invasive surgeries. As a result, stemless shoulder implants are gaining acceptance throughout. Stemless shoulder implants are a type of shoulder replacement used in orthopedic surgery to treat severe shoulder arthritis or significant shoulder joint damage. Unlike traditional shoulder implants that include a long metal stem inserted into the humerus (upper arm bone), stemless implants rely on alternative methods for fixation, such as bone in-growth or other mechanical means, without the need for a long stem. Stemless shoulder implants generally allow for bone preservation, and are associated with less blood loss and shorter recovery times. Let’s dive into how these implants are gaining traction and taking over the European shoulder reconstruction market.
Benefits of Stemless Shoulder Implants
Stemless shoulder implants have several benefits over stemmed implants. One of the benefits surrounds the amount of bone removal required during the surgery. On average, stemless implants requires less bone removal during surgery compared to stemmed implants. This is important, especially for younger patients or those with good bone wuality, as it preserves more of the patient’s natural anatomy. On a similar note, another benefit also surrounds anatomy and how stemless shoulder implants allow for better mobility and more accurately replicate the patiens native anatomy. Additionally, technological innovations now allow the humeral head to fine-tune the soft tissue balance of the shoulder.
Geographic Acceptance of Stemless Shoulder Implants
Across the MedTech space as a whole, minimally invasive surgery is taking over. When it comes to Europe’s shoulder reconstruction market, there is movement towards less-invasive procedures. Because of this, stemless shoulder implants are gaining increasing acceptance. Despite this trend being seemingly ubiquitous, there are some regions which have adopted this trend more prominently over others. Countries such as Germany, France, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom have adopted, and are what some would say trail-blazers, for stemless implants. On the other hand, Spain, Benelux, and Portugal are slower at adopting stemless implants and these implants are not as established in these regions yet.
In terms of pricing, the relative prices for stemless implants compared to stemmed implants varies across Europe and usually depends on the manufacturer choice. In some of the more prominent countries, such as the U.K., stemmed implants are generally placed at a higher price point than stemless implants. However, in Scandinavia and the Netherlands, stemless implants tend to be a more expensive alternative, due to their promotion as an innovation and more beneficial shoulder replacement option.
Procedural Acceptance of Stemless Shoulder Implants
Within the total shoulder market, there is a distinct shift from the conventional stemmed implant toward the stemless device design. In 2024, the majority of the total shoulder procedures were still performed using conventional stemmed devices. However, the portion of stemless implants is growing. This is associated with the promotion of the benefits of stemless implants within the joint reconstruction industry. Stemless implants generally allow for bone preservation, are associated with less blood loss and require shorter surgery times. There have been various short-term and mid-term studies demonstrating the comparability of clinical outcomes for stemless devices and standard stemmed designs. Due to the relatively recent acceptance of stemless implants, there have been very few long-term clinical studies. Those that exist do demonstrate positive clinical outcomes and a high satisfaction rate for patients. The study determined the safety of the device. Another study being conducted is by Enovis on stemless reverse shoulder (SMR) implants intended for total shoulder replacement. The aim of the study is to test their long-term performance in reducing pain and restoring shoulder articular mobility function.
Market Leaders in the Shoulder Reconstruction Market
In 2024, DePuy Synthes, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, maintained its leadership position in the shoulder reconstruction device market. DePuy Synthes’ shoulder reconstructive portfolio includes the GLOBAL® ADVANTAGE® Shoulder System for both anatomic and hemi procedures and the DELTA XTEND® Reverse Shoulder System, which continues to be a key product in the reverse shoulder implant market. The company’s presence in shoulder fixation remains strong, particularly with its Locking Compression Plate (LCP®) product line for proximal humerus fractures.
In 2024, Zimmer Biomet remained the second-leading competitor in the shoulder reconstruction device market. The company’s portfolio includes complete solutions for anatomic, fracture, reverse and revision procedures, as well as shoulder fixation devices. The Bigliani/Flatow® Complete Shoulder System, Trabecular Metal™ Humeral Stem and ASHCOM™ Reverse Shoulder System continue to be central to Zimmer Biomet’s shoulder offering.
Stryker held the third-leading position in the shoulder reconstruction device market in 2024. The company offers the Solar® line of shoulder replacement devices and the ReUnion® fracture and stem devices. Stryker has a more notable presence in the foot and ankle market than the shoulder market.
Future Outlook
All in all, the shoulder reconstruction market is experiencing shifts towards stemless shoulder implants due to their minimally invasive nature. Europe is pioneering the acceptance of these implants with countries including Germany, France, Switzerland, and the U.K. adopting these newer alternatives faster than others. Due to the more recent acceptance of stemless implants, the majority of shoulder reconstruction procedures were still performed using conventional stemmed implants. However, clinical studies have displayed successful results from stemless implants and surgeons across Europe are starting to shift their preferences. DePuy Synthes, Zimmer Biomet, and Stryker are leaders in the total shoulder reconstruction market and we are excited to see what innovative technologies they release in the stemless implants market moving forwards.
To learn more about the Europe shoulder reconstruction market, and the European small bone and joints market as a whole, our brand-new 2025 report is available with forecasts into 2031. To receive sample sheets of our latest report, click the button below.
