Executive Summary

Often overlooked in all the interest in orthopedics is the non-surgical side, a product area that includes a wide range of supports and braces--soft goods as opposed to hard implants--used to treat a number of musculoskeletal problems. Indeed, given that non-surgical approaches represent an important front line in treatment options for patients with such problems-in spine, for example, surgical interventions are used in barely more than 10% of all patients complaining of back pain-it's surprising that more attention isn't paid to this segment. One company that has made the non-surgical orthopedics market a focus is dj Orthopedics Inc. who, with its acquisition of Aircast Inc. further enhances what is already a number-one market share position in the $1.2 billion US rehabilitation products market.