Osteoarthritis (OA) prevalence is on the rise in Canada, driven significantly by an aging population and increasing obesity rates. In response, viscosupplementation—injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the joints—has become a minimally invasive option to manage OA pain and potentially postpone more intensive interventions, like knee replacement surgery. Consequently, the Canada viscosupplementation market is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 7.5% between 2023 and 2033, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s latest report, “Canada Viscosupplementation Market Share,” reveals that Canada’s viscosupplementation market is projected to grow from $30 million in 2023 to $70.3 million in 2033.

The demand for viscosupplementation in Canada is also influenced by individuals’ desire to maintain an active lifestyle even with OA. The knee is the most common site for treatment, although viscosupplementation is also performed on other joints, including the hip, shoulder, and ankle. Patients often prefer 3- and 5-injection treatment cycles due to their greater effect in pain relief, despite the associated higher costs.

Thomas Fleming, Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Despite its growth, the viscosupplementation market faces challenges. The recent studies have questioned the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid injections in providing sustained pain relief, especially for knee OA. This has led to reduced doctor recommendations, which may discourage some patients from pursuing the treatment. Additionally, potential side effects following injections and limited clinical evidence supporting long-term benefits present barriers to the broader adoption of viscosupplementation.”

Overall, while viscosupplementation remains a valuable option for OA patients looking to avoid surgery, the market’s growth is balanced by ongoing clinical debate and public perception.

Fleming concludes: “These factors may shape future demand, making the ongoing research and advancements in treatment efficacy important for the Canadian viscosupplementation market’s sustained expansion.”