Global Industry Analysts, Inc. (GIA), a globally recognized publisher of market research, recently released forecast data to 2010 for several key medical industries:

-The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) equipment market is predicted to reach $5.5 billion. The Very High-Field MRI Systems market represents the fastest-growing segment due to facilities upgrading older equipment. Improvements trend toward greater sophistication in image quality, reduced noise ratio, increased range of applications, shortened examination times, and improved patient comfort. Some prominent companies in this market are Siemens Medical Solutions, GE Healthcare, Hitachi Medical Corporation and Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation. The U.S. leads the world in the MRI equipment market, falling just under $2 billion for 2008, with Japan as second largest.

-X-Ray film, chemicals and processors are projected to reach $5.9 billion. Digital imagery may be growing in popularity, but X-Ray films are still integral to the medical products industry. New technologies benefit clinicians and patients: improved computer imaging and display, processing and storage capacities and a picture archive system. Key companies are Agfa-Gevaert NV; Carestream Health, Inc.; FUJIFILM Medical Systems and Hologic, Inc. The U.S., Europe and Japan lead the market, though centralization of healthcare in the U.S. influences its purchasing power.
-Forecasted to reach $1.8 billion is the ambulatory and bathroom aids market. Spending on durable medical equipment is rising due to aging populations. In particular, the home healthcare market is stimulating the need for wheelchairs, shower chairs, walkers, canes and patient lifts. Leading companies are Apex Dynamics Healthcare Products, ArjoHuntleigh, Medline Industries and Patterson Medical. The U.S. and Europe currently lead the market, with Asia Pacific showing fastest growth.

-The orthopedic prosthetics market is projected to reach $14.5 billion. The market is on the upswing due to an aging population and increased demand for joint replacements or reconstructive procedures from the baby boomers. Degenerative arthritis, obesity and active lifestyles have become industry markers, owing to the development of minimally invasive surgery. The marketplace is intensely competitive and acquisitions are occurring. Dominating companies include Zimmer, DePuy (J&J), Stryker Corporation, Biomet and Smith and Nephew. The U.S., United Kingdom, France and Germany represent the major markets.

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