PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1884058
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1884058
The global absorbable sutures market was valued at USD 3.60 billion in 2024, and it is projected to grow to USD 3.79 billion in 2025, reaching USD 6.44 billion by 2032. North America dominated the market in 2024, holding a 41.11% share, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure and high surgical volumes. Absorbable sutures, also known as dissolvable or resorbable sutures, are designed to naturally degrade in the body over time, eliminating the need for removal and making them ideal for internal surgical applications. These sutures are manufactured from natural materials such as catgut and synthetic polymers, including polydioxanone, polyglactin, and poliglecaprone.
Market Dynamics: Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities
The rising number of surgeries globally is a major driver for absorbable sutures. In the U.S., approximately 1.3 million knee replacements and 760,000 hip replacements are performed annually. Worldwide, around 400,000 coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries are conducted each year. Moreover, the aging population requires frequent procedures such as angioplasty, joint replacements, and organ transplants, increasing suture demand. The high efficiency of modern suturing devices also contributes to broader adoption, fueling market growth.
However, the growing preference for alternative wound closure methods, such as surgical staples, tissue adhesives, and hemostats, restrains market growth. Staples, commonly used in laparotomy and orthopedic surgeries, offer rapid closure, while adhesives are favored in cosmetic and dermatological procedures to minimize scarring. These alternatives are particularly preferred in emergency interventions, limiting the adoption of absorbable sutures.
Market opportunities are driven by innovations in suture technology. Advancements in synthetic polymers, such as poly(glycolide-co-l-lactide) (PGA-L) and diacetyl chitin, along with antimicrobial coatings like Triclosan, have enhanced tensile strength, biocompatibility, and absorption profiles. Research on diacetyl chitin-derived sutures demonstrated 63% strength retention at 14 days, full absorption by 42 days, and faster tissue repair, providing improved outcomes compared to traditional sutures.
Emerging Trends
Knotless absorbable sutures are gaining traction, especially in minimally invasive surgeries such as orthopedic, cardiovascular, and laparoscopic procedures. These sutures reduce infection risk, eliminate the need for removal, and provide consistent wound closure without knot-tying challenges. Studies indicate that absorbable knotless barbed sutures significantly reduce surgical site infections at 60 and 90 days post-operation compared to conventional sutures. Technological advancements, including synthetic bioengineered and antimicrobial-coated sutures, coupled with robotic-assisted surgeries, further accelerate adoption.
By type, multifilament/braided sutures dominated in 2024 due to superior handling, knot security, and flexibility in cardiac and prosthetic surgeries. Monofilament sutures also held a substantial share, preferred in vascular and microvascular procedures due to lower infection risk.
By form, synthetic sutures dominated in 2024 due to reduced hypersensitivity reactions, while natural sutures like catgut were preferred in ophthalmic, gynecological, and plastic surgeries because of higher absorbability and cost-effectiveness.
By application, orthopedics led the market in 2024, with 3.7 million arthroplasty procedures performed in the Americas in 2023. Gynecology accounted for a significant share, supported by rising cesarean section rates, projected to increase from 21% in 2020 to 29% by 2030. Cardiology, including pediatric and congenital heart surgeries, accounted for the second-largest share, with over 40,000 surgeries performed annually in the U.S. General surgery and other applications, such as cosmetic and ophthalmic surgeries, contributed to overall market growth.
By end-user, hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) dominated the market in 2024 due to higher surgical volumes and favorable reimbursement. Specialty clinics and other facilities, including academic and military hospitals, also contributed to growth.
North America led the market with USD 1.48 billion in 2024. Europe held the second-largest share, driven by high orthopedic surgery volumes, while Asia Pacific is expected to grow the fastest, fueled by new product launches such as Healthium Medtech's TRUMAS sutures. Latin America's growth is driven by cosmetic procedures, while the Middle East & Africa shows moderate growth due to increasing prevalence of chronic diseases.
Competitive Landscape
Key players include Johnson & Johnson Services, Medtronic, B. Braun SE, Genesis Medtech, and Dolphin Sutures. Strategies focus on regulatory approvals, new product launches, and partnerships. Notable developments include Genesis MedTech receiving NMPA approval in China for antibacterial sutures (2023) and Orion Sutures' participation in MEDICA 2024 in Germany.
Conclusion
The absorbable sutures market, valued at USD 3.60 billion in 2024 and expected to reach USD 6.44 billion by 2032, is experiencing robust growth due to increasing surgical demand, technological innovation, and rising adoption of knotless and synthetic sutures. While alternatives like staples and adhesives pose challenges, advancements and regional expansions present significant opportunities for market players globally.
Segmentation By Type
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