Digital X-ray Market: Growth, Size, Share, and Trends

Market Growth Outlook Summary

The global digital X-ray market growth forecasted to transform from USD 5.4 billion in 2024 to USD 6.6 billion by 2029, driven by a CAGR of 4.0%. One primary driver is the rising patient population and incidence of musculoskeletal disorders and sports-related injuries. Ongoing technological advancements, coupled with favorable government initiatives and investments in healthcare infrastructure, are further fueling market growth. Overall, these factors collectively contribute to the expanding digital X-ray market as it continues to revolutionize medical imaging practices.

Global Digital X-Ray Market

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e- Estimated; p- Projected

Digital X-ray Market Dynamics

Driver: Growing geriatric population and subsequent growth in disease incidence

Rapid growth in the global geriatric population is an important cause for the rising incidence of target diseases. According to the United Nations (UN), in 2019, there were approximately 703 million people aged 65 or older globally, and this population segment is projected to reach 1.5 billion by 2050. According to the ‘World Population Prospects: the 2019 Revision’ data, one in six people in the world will be over age 65 by 2050. The number of persons aged 80 years or over is projected to triple, from 143 million in 2019 to 426 million in 2050.

With the rapid growth in the geriatric population globally, the prevalence of age-associated diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, arthritis, and dementia is expected to increase as well. These diseases call for early diagnosis and improved diagnostic imaging capabilities, thereby promoting the adoption of digital X-ray systems among end users. Arthritis prevalence increases with age. According to the CDC, ~54.4 million (22.7% of the total adult population) adults in the US suffer from arthritis annually. The data further suggested that out of the total patient population, only 7.1% were aged between 18–44, while 29.3% were between 45–64, and 49.6% were aged 65 or older.

Orthopedic imaging is one of the major applications of digital X-ray systems. Due to insufficient nutrition, lifestyle-related issues, and age-associated bone density depletion, the geriatric population is more prone to developing orthopedic complexities. Moreover, osteoporosis, an age-related condition, is responsible for over 80% of all fractures in people aged 50 years and above (Source: Osteoporosis Canada). According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 1.6 million hip fractures occur each year globally; this figure is estimated to increase to between 4.5 million to 6.3 million by 2050. Physicians perform bone density scans and dual X-ray absorptiometry, also called DXA, for the prognosis of osteoporosis. Thus, the rising incidence of osteoporosis and related bone-related fractures is expected to increase the need for X-ray scans. This, in turn, will fuel the need for digital X-rays globally.

Another application of digital X-ray imaging is the diagnosis of metastatic tumors in body tissues. The incidence of cancer is expected to increase in developed as well as developing countries across the globe in the coming years. For instance,

• In 2020, around 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 48,530 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer were reported in the US (Source: Breastcancer.org).
• According to the American Cancer Society, in 2018, around 1.8 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the US.
• Approximately 1,026,171 breast cancer cases were diagnosed among women in Asia in 2020 (Source: GLOBOCAN 2020).

It can be surmised that with the rising geriatric population and subsequent growth in target disease incidence, the demand for X-ray systems is expected to increase across the globe.

Restraint: High cost of digital X-ray systems

The price range of digital systems varies from USD 80,000 to USD 400,000. The high cost of digital X-ray systems poses a significant restraint on the digital X-ray market in several ways. Firstly, the initial investment required for purchasing and installing digital X-ray equipment can be prohibitive for many healthcare facilities, especially smaller clinics and hospitals with limited financial resources. Additionally, digital X-ray systems' ongoing maintenance and upgrade expenses can further strain budgets over time. Moreover, the expense of digital X-ray systems may lead to longer replacement cycles for existing equipment, delaying the adoption of newer, more advanced technology and inhibiting market growth.

Opportunity: Development of AI-based digital X-ray systems

The development of AI-based digital X-ray systems presents a significant opportunity for the digital X-ray market on multiple fronts. Firstly, AI integration enhances diagnostic accuracy and efficiency by enabling automated analysis of X-ray images, aiding radiologists in detecting abnormalities and making more informed decisions. This increased accuracy can lead to earlier detection of diseases, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs associated with missed diagnoses or unnecessary procedures. Secondly, AI algorithms can optimize imaging parameters and enhance image quality, resulting in clearer and more detailed X-ray images, which can further aid in diagnosis and treatment planning. Additionally, AI-driven systems have the potential to streamline workflow by automating routine tasks, allowing radiologists to focus more on complex cases and patient care. Overall, the development of AI-based digital X-ray systems offers a compelling opportunity to revolutionize the digital X-ray market by improving diagnostic capabilities, workflow efficiency, and patient outcomes.

Challenge: Hospital budget cuts

Hospital budget cuts can significantly challenge the digital X-ray market in several ways. Firstly, reduced budgets may lead hospitals to prioritize spending on immediate patient care over investments in new technology, including digital X-ray systems. Secondly, limited financial resources might prompt hospitals to extend the lifespan of existing X-ray equipment rather than upgrading to newer, more advanced digital systems. Additionally, budget constraints could hinder hospitals from expanding their imaging departments or adopting innovative technologies, thereby slowing the overall growth of the digital X-ray market. Moreover, decreased funding may result in delayed or canceled purchases of digital X-ray machines, impacting the revenue and market share of manufacturers and suppliers in the digital X-ray industry. Overall, hospital budget cuts pose a significant challenge to the digital X-ray market by constraining investment and adoption of this technology within healthcare facilities.

Market Ecosystem:

By type, the digital X-ray segment accounted for the digital X-ray industry largest share in 2023.

Based on type, the global digital X-ray market is segmented into analog and digital X-ray system. In 2023, the digital X-ray segment accounted for the largest market share. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases that require imaging, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases, drives the demand for advanced imaging technologies like DR. Moreover, continuous advancements in DR technology, such as improved detectors and image processing algorithms, contribute to its growth

By technology, the computed digital radiography segment of the digital X-ray industry to register significant growth in the near future.

Based on technology, the digital X-ray market is divided into direct and computed digital radiography. This growth is primarily driven by several factors. Firstly, computed DR systems offer advantages such as higher image resolution, improved image quality, and faster image acquisition compared to DDR systems. These features enable more accurate diagnoses and enhanced workflow efficiency in healthcare settings. Additionally, computed DR systems are increasingly favored due to their compatibility with existing X-ray equipment, allowing healthcare facilities to upgrade their imaging capabilities without the need for complete system replacements.

By end user, the hospitals segment of the digital X-ray industry accounted for the largest share in 2023

On the basis of end user, the digital X-ray market has been segmented into hospitals, orthopedic clinics, diagnostic centers, dental care centers and other end users. However, the hospitals and surgical centers segment is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

By region, North America is expected to be the largest market of the digital X-ray industry during the forecast period.

North America, comprising the US and Canada, accounted for the largest market share in 2023. The rising incidence of chronic diseases and the aging demographic in North America are driving an escalating need for diagnostic imaging services to manage and treat these conditions effectively. Favorable reimbursement policies and government initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and quality further stimulate the adoption of digital X-ray systems among healthcare providers. Additionally, ongoing technological advancements and the presence of leading market players contribute to the innovation and expansion of the digital X-ray market in North America, driving sustained growth in the region.

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As of 2023, prominent players in the market are Siemens Healthineers (Germany), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), GE Healthcare (US), Canon, Inc. (Japan), Carestream Health (US), FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation (Japan), Shimadzu Corporation (Japan), Agfa-Gevaert Group (Belgium), Samsung Medison (South Korea), Konica Minolta (Japan), Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co. (China), MinXray, Inc. (US), ACTEON (France), BPL Medical Technologies (India), Control-X Medical Ltd. (US), Allengers Medical Systems Ltd. (India)

Scope of the Digital X-Ray Industry:

This report has segmented the global digital X-ray market to forecast revenue and analyze trends in each of the following submarkets:

By Type

• Analog X-ray systems
• Digital X-ray systems

By Technology

• Direct Radiography
• Computed Radiography

By Portability

• Fixed Digital X-ray system
  • Floor-To-Ceiling -Mounted Systems
  • Ceiling -Mounted Systems
• Portable Digital X-ray system
  • Mobile X-Ray Systems
  • Handheld X-Ray Systems

By System

• Retrofit Digital X-ray system
• New Digital X-ray system

By Price Range

• Low-end Digital X-ray system
• Mid Range Digital X-ray system
• High-end Digital X-ray system

By Application

• Chest Imaging
• Orthopedic
• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Pediatric Imaging
• Dental
• Cancer
• Other Applications

By End User

• Hospitals
• Orthopedic Clinics
• Diagnostic Centers
• Dental Centers
• Other End Users

By Region

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • UK
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Recent Developments of The Digital X-Ray Industry:

• In March 2021,  Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands)’s CombiDiagnost R90 received US FDA 510(k) clearance for CombiDiagnost R90, a high-end digital radiography-based fluoroscopy system.
• In May 2021, Royal Philips (Netherlands) and Viamed (Spain) entered into an agreement with Viamed to install Philips’ diagnostic imaging solutions in clinical centers throughout Viamed’s network, including 11 hospitals and 15 healthcare centers, in the Andalusia, Aragon, Catalonia, La Rioja, Murcia, and Madrid regions of Spain

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

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