Global Viscosupplementation Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033

According to Renub Research Latest Report viscosupplementation market is poised for significant growth over the forecast period, with market value projected to reach US$ 10.16 billion by 2033, up from US$ 4.66 billion in 2024, reflecting a robust CAGR of 9.02% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is primarily fueled by the rising prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA), the global increase in aging populations, and heightened awareness of non-invasive treatment options for joint pain. Viscosupplementation, a therapeutic approach involving the injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) into joints, has emerged as a preferred option for managing joint degeneration and alleviating pain, further contributing to the market’s expansion.

Viscosupplementation Market Overview

Viscosupplementation is a minimally invasive therapy that involves the injection of hyaluronic acid or other lubricating solutions into joints affected by osteoarthritis. The primary purpose of this treatment is to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and slow down the degenerative process. While the knee joint is the most commonly treated area, viscosupplementation is also used in other joints, including the hip, shoulder, and ankle.

Osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and thinning of synovial fluid, which normally serves as a cushion and lubricant for joints. The injection of hyaluronic acid restores the viscosity of synovial fluid, improving lubrication and reducing friction. This mechanism not only alleviates pain but also improves joint function. Patients who have not achieved sufficient relief through oral medications or physical therapy often benefit from viscosupplementation, as it offers a low-risk, non-surgical alternative with fewer side effects compared to invasive procedures.

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Key Growth Drivers

Increasing Prevalence of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common degenerative joint disorders worldwide, particularly affecting weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. Its prevalence is increasing due to an aging global population, rising obesity rates, and sedentary lifestyles. As the number of patients with OA rises, there is growing demand for effective, non-surgical treatments such as viscosupplementation. Compared to surgery, HA injections present fewer risks, shorter recovery times, and the ability to be administered on an outpatient basis, making them a preferred treatment for many patients.

Rising Popularity of Minimally Invasive Procedures

The healthcare industry is increasingly adopting minimally invasive therapies to reduce patient downtime, lower costs, and improve recovery outcomes. Viscosupplementation aligns perfectly with this trend, offering a simple outpatient procedure that can be administered in hospitals, clinics, or ambulatory surgical centers. The appeal of this approach is particularly strong among patients seeking to avoid surgery due to long recovery times, high costs, or associated risks. The emphasis on same-day procedures, outpatient surgeries, and reduced hospital stays has significantly contributed to the increasing adoption of injectable joint therapies.

Advancements in Hyaluronic Acid Formulations

Recent innovations in HA formulations have improved the efficacy, longevity, and safety of viscosupplementation treatments. Modern HA products provide longer-lasting relief, require fewer injections, and enhance patient compliance and satisfaction. These advancements make viscosupplementation a more appealing alternative to conventional treatments such as oral medications or physical therapy. Companies are now offering HA formulations tailored to the severity of osteoarthritis, improving therapeutic outcomes and patient acceptance.

Emergence of Single-Injection Viscosupplementation

The single-injection viscosupplementation segment is expected to experience substantial growth due to its convenience, reduced procedural frequency, and alignment with outpatient care trends. Single-injection products minimize patient visits, improve adherence, and simplify treatment protocols for physicians. Industry efforts to develop and launch single-injection HA formulations are further accelerating market adoption and are expected to drive growth throughout the forecast period.

Market Challenges

High Treatment Costs

Despite its therapeutic benefits, viscosupplementation is associated with high treatment costs, particularly in regions with limited insurance coverage. The requirement for multiple injections over time can increase expenses, making the therapy less accessible to certain demographics. High costs remain a key barrier to adoption in emerging markets and among populations without comprehensive healthcare coverage.

Limited Awareness and Adoption

Awareness about viscosupplementation among patients and some healthcare providers remains relatively low. Many OA patients continue to rely on oral medications, physical therapy, or surgery, often without being informed about HA injections as a viable option. Physicians may also hesitate to recommend the therapy due to concerns about cost, the need for multiple injections, or the perception of unproven efficacy. Educational initiatives are necessary to enhance knowledge and promote wider utilization of viscosupplementation.

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Market Segmentation

By Product

Single-Injection: Convenient, reduces treatment visits, and aligns with outpatient care trends.

Three-Injection: Traditional therapy method, widely used in knee osteoarthritis management.

Five-Injection: Reserved for more advanced or severe cases of OA.

By Application

Knee: Dominates the market due to high prevalence and age-related susceptibility.

Hip: Increasing adoption in hip joint pain management.

Hand/Wrist: Targeted use in smaller joints affected by osteoarthritis.

Ankle/Foot: Emerging applications, especially in sports medicine and rehabilitation.

Others: Includes shoulder, elbow, and other joints.

By End-User

Hospitals: Major contributors due to comprehensive care, advanced facilities, and large patient volumes.

Orthopedic Clinics / Ambulatory Surgical Centers: Experiencing steady growth due to increasing demand for outpatient, minimally invasive procedures.

By Region

North America: United States and Canada – High adoption driven by aging populations, advanced healthcare systems, and increased awareness of minimally invasive treatments.

Europe: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Turkey – Supported by advanced healthcare infrastructure and patient preference for non-surgical therapies.

Asia Pacific: China, Japan, India, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand – Rising OA prevalence, improving healthcare access, and increasing awareness drive growth.

Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina – Market expansion driven by rising healthcare expenditure and growing disposable income.

Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa – Aging population, joint health awareness, and availability of high-quality healthcare facilities support market adoption.

Regional Market Insights

United States

The U.S. viscosupplementation market is among the largest globally, driven by a rising prevalence of osteoarthritis and growing patient preference for non-surgical solutions. Recent developments, such as Anika Therapeutics’ Cingal Phase III success, highlight ongoing R&D efforts, regulatory progress, and innovation in HA formulations. Increasing awareness, healthcare access, and the adoption of minimally invasive therapies further strengthen the market in the U.S.

France

France is witnessing steady market growth due to the rising incidence of OA and increased awareness of non-surgical treatment alternatives. Hyaluronic acid injections are widely accepted as a preferred therapy for knee osteoarthritis, supported by the country’s advanced healthcare system, aging demographic, and focus on improving patient outcomes.

China

China’s viscosupplementation market is expanding due to a combination of demographic trends, rising OA prevalence, healthcare reforms, and increasing patient awareness. Government initiatives and improvements in healthcare infrastructure are facilitating market adoption. Innovations in HA formulations by domestic and international players also contribute to market growth.

Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, the market is driven by a growing aging population, increasing joint health awareness, and the preference for non-surgical treatment options. Availability of high-end healthcare facilities, emphasis on minimally invasive therapies, and healthcare innovations support market expansion.

Key Players

Leading companies in the global viscosupplementation market include:

Anika Therapeutics Inc. – Leader in HA-based therapies; actively developing FDA-approved products such as Cingal for long-term OA pain relief.

Zimmer Biomet – Offers comprehensive orthopedic and joint care solutions.

Smith & Nephew PLC – Focused on advanced orthopedic and joint therapy solutions.

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd – Engaged in HA treatment development and commercialization.

Sanofi – Provides HA-based products for osteoarthritis management.

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. – Research-driven approach to innovative joint therapies.

Lifecore Biomedical – Develops advanced HA formulations for OA treatment.

LG Life Sciences Ltd – Focused on R&D for injectable HA solutions.

Bioventus Inc. – Expanding partnerships with insurance providers like Aetna to enhance U.S. market penetration.

Market Outlook

The global viscosupplementation market is poised for significant growth, supported by:

Increasing OA prevalence in aging populations.

Rising preference for minimally invasive procedures.

Advancements in HA formulations providing longer-lasting relief and improved patient compliance.

Expansion of single-injection products facilitating convenience and outpatient care adoption.

Knee osteoarthritis continues to dominate the market due to age-related cartilage degeneration and the high incidence of joint pain in elderly populations. Geographically, the U.S., France, China, and Saudi Arabia are key markets, supported by awareness, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and demographic trends.

While challenges such as high treatment costs and limited awareness persist, ongoing innovations, patient-centric healthcare models, and expanding outpatient orthopedic services are expected to sustain market growth. As the global population ages, viscosupplementation is increasingly recognized as a safe, effective, and minimally invasive solution for managing joint pain and degeneration, cementing its role in modern orthopedic care.

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