
Arthroscopic Devices Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2031 - By Product, Technology, Grade, Application, End-user, Region: (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa)
Description
Arthroscopic Devices Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2031 - By Product, Technology, Grade, Application, End-user, Region: (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa)
The global arthroscopic devices market is experiencing substantial growth, with projections indicating an increase from $7.97 billion in 2024 to $10.99 billion by 2031, reflecting a CAGR of 4.70%. Arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure used for diagnosing and treating joint conditions, is gaining widespread acceptance among both healthcare professionals and patients. The market's strong growth trajectory is propelled by the increasing prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, an aging global population, and a marked rise in sports-related injuries. This press release explores the key drivers of market growth, the challenges faced by the industry, and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Increasing Demand for Minimally Invasive Procedures
A pivotal trend in the arthroscopic devices market is the growing preference for minimally invasive surgeries. Traditional open surgeries typically involve significant bodily trauma, extended recovery times, and higher risks of complications. Conversely, arthroscopy provides a less invasive alternative, featuring smaller incisions, minimized muscle injury, and faster recovery periods. These advantages have made arthroscopy the preferred choice for addressing a wide range of joint-related issues, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ligament tears, and cartilage damage.
The shift towards minimally invasive procedures represents more than just a trend; it signifies a fundamental change in surgical approaches. Patients today are more informed and actively seek treatment options that minimize disruption to their daily lives. As a result, healthcare providers are increasingly adopting arthroscopy to meet this demand, which is anticipated to drive sustained market growth in the coming years.
Aging Population Fuels Market Growth
The global population is aging at an unprecedented rate, with significant implications for the healthcare sector, particularly the arthroscopic devices market. As individuals age, they are more likely to develop joint-related conditions, such as osteoarthritis, leading to chronic pain and reduced mobility. Arthroscopy offers an effective solution for managing these conditions, providing relief without the need for more invasive procedures like total joint replacements.
The expanding geriatric population is a major catalyst for market growth. As more elderly individuals experience joint problems, the demand for arthroscopic procedures continues to rise. This trend is especially prominent in developed countries with advanced healthcare services. However, developing regions are also witnessing increased demand, driven by improvements in healthcare infrastructure and greater awareness of arthroscopy as a viable treatment option.
Impact of Sports Injuries on Market Dynamics
Sports injuries are another critical factor contributing to the growth of the arthroscopic devices market. With increasing participation in sports and physical activities, the incidence of sports-related injuries has surged. Whether it’s a torn ligament, cartilage damage, or a dislocated shoulder, arthroscopy provides a minimally invasive solution for diagnosing and treating these injuries.
The benefits of arthroscopy over traditional surgical methods—such as reduced muscle injury, quicker recovery times, and faster rehabilitation—make it the preferred treatment option for sports injuries. Consequently, the market for arthroscopic devices is expected to see significant growth, particularly in regions with high levels of sports participation. The rise in sports-related injuries will continue to create opportunities for market players to develop and introduce innovative products tailored to the needs of athletes and active individuals.
Technological Innovations Boosting Market Growth
The arthroscopic devices market is also benefiting from rapid advancements in technology. Manufacturers are investing heavily in research and development to introduce new and improved devices that enhance the effectiveness of arthroscopic procedures. These innovations include high-definition cameras that offer clearer, more detailed images, advanced suturing techniques for more precise repairs, and customized suturing materials tailored to individual patient needs.
Technological advancements are not only improving the outcomes of arthroscopic procedures but also making them more accessible to a wider range of patients. For example, new devices are being designed to be more user-friendly, enabling healthcare providers with varying levels of experience to perform arthroscopies with greater confidence. This democratization of technology is expected to further propel market growth as more healthcare facilities, particularly in developing regions, adopt arthroscopy as a standard treatment option.
Challenges Facing the Arthroscopic Devices Market
Despite the optimistic outlook, the arthroscopic devices market faces several challenges that could impede its growth. One of the most significant barriers is the high cost of arthroscopic devices. These devices require specialized infrastructure and trained professionals, both of which can be expensive to acquire and maintain. For healthcare providers in resource-limited regions, the cost of adopting arthroscopy can be prohibitive, slowing market penetration.
Additionally, the market is subject to stringent regulatory requirements, especially in developed countries with high healthcare standards. Regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforce strict guidelines that manufacturers must adhere to, and any deviations can result in product recalls or delays in market entry. These regulatory hurdles, coupled with the risk of manufacturing issues or contamination, present significant challenges for market participants.
COVID-19: A Temporary Setback
The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on the arthroscopic devices market, as it did on many other sectors. During the pandemic, many non-essential medical procedures were postponed or canceled as healthcare systems prioritized treating COVID-19 patients. This resulted in a temporary decline in demand for arthroscopic devices, as elective surgeries were put on hold.
However, as the pandemic situation has improved, the market has begun to recover. With the resumption of elective procedures and a renewed focus on healthcare, the demand for arthroscopy devices is expected to rebound, paving the way for continued growth in the post-pandemic era.
Competitive Analysis
•Arthrex, Inc.
•Stryker Corporation
•Smith & Nephew Plc.
•CONMED Corporation
•KARL STORZ GmbH & Co. KG
•Olympus Corporation
•Richard Wolf GmbH
•Johnson & Johnson
Arthroscopic Devices Market Segmentation
Arthroscopic Devices Market by End User
•Hospitals
•Ambulatory Surgical Centers
•Orthopedic Clinics
Arthroscopic Devices Market by Region
•North America
•Latin America
•Europe
•Asia Pacific
•Middle East & Africa (MEA)
Please note: Delivery Timelines - 5 working days.
Table of Contents
115 Pages
- 1. Executive Summary
- 1.1. Global Arthroscopic Devices Market Snapshot
- 1.2. Future Projections
- 1.3. Key Market Trends
- 1.4. Regional Snapshot, by Value, 2023
- 1.5. Analyst Recommendations
- 2. Market Overview
- 2.1. Market Definitions and Segmentations
- 2.2. Market Dynamics
- 2.2.1. Drivers
- 2.2.2. Restraints
- 2.2.3. Market Opportunities
- 2.3. Value Chain Analysis
- 2.4. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
- 2.5. COVID-19 Impact Analysis
- 2.5.1. Supply
- 2.5.2. Demand
- 2.6. Impact of Ukraine-Russia Conflict
- 2.7. Economic Overview
- 2.7.1. World Economic Projections
- 2.8. PESTLE Analysis
- 3. Price Analysis, 2023
- 3.1. Global Average Price Analysis, by Product, US$ Per Unit, 2023
- 3.2. Prominent Factor Affecting Arthroscopic Devices Prices
- 3.3. Global Average Price Analysis, by Region, US$ Per Unit, 2023
- 4. Global Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, 2018 – 2031
- 4.1. Global Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, By Product, Value (US$ Bn) and Volume (Units), 2018 – 2031
- 4.1.1. Key Highlights
- 4.1.1.1. Arthroscope and Arthroscopic Systems
- 4.1.1.1.1. Arthroscope
- 4.1.1.1.2. Arthroscopy Fluid Management Systems
- 4.1.1.1.3. Arthroscopy Visualization Systems
- 4.1.1.2. Arthroscopic Shavers
- 4.1.1.2.1. Arthroscopic Shaver Systems
- 4.1.1.2.2. Disposables
- 4.1.1.3. Arthroscopic Implants
- 4.1.1.3.1. Interference Screws
- 4.1.1.3.2. Suture Anchors
- 4.1.1.4. Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Systems & Wands
- 4.1.1.4.1. Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Systems
- 4.1.1.4.2. Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Wands
- 4.2. Global Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 4.2.1. Key Highlights
- 4.2.1.1. Hospitals
- 4.2.1.2. Ambulatory Surgical Centers
- 4.2.1.3. Orthopaedic Clinics
- 4.2.1.4. Others
- 4.3. Global Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, by Region, Value (US$ Bn) and Volume (Units), 2018 – 2031
- 4.3.1. Key Highlights
- 4.3.1.1. North America
- 4.3.1.2. Europe
- 4.3.1.3. Asia Pacific
- 4.3.1.4. Latin America
- 4.3.1.5. Middle East & Africa
- 5. North America Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, 2018 – 2031
- 5.1. North America Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, By Product, Value (US$ Bn) and Volume (Units), 2018 – 2031
- 5.1.1. Key Highlights
- 5.1.1.1. Arthroscope and Arthroscopic Systems
- 5.1.1.1.1. Arthroscope
- 5.1.1.1.2. Arthroscopy Fluid Management Systems
- 5.1.1.1.3. Arthroscopy Visualization Systems
- 5.1.1.2. Arthroscopic Shavers
- 5.1.1.2.1. Arthroscopic Shaver Systems
- 5.1.1.2.2. Disposables
- 5.1.1.3. Arthroscopic Implants
- 5.1.1.3.1. Interference Screws
- 5.1.1.3.2. Suture Anchors
- 5.1.1.4. Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Systems & Wands
- 5.1.1.4.1. Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Systems
- 5.1.1.4.2. Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Wands
- 5.2. North America Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 5.2.1. Key Highlights
- 5.2.1.1. Hospitals
- 5.2.1.2. Ambulatory Surgical Centers
- 5.2.1.3. Orthopaedic Clinics
- 5.2.1.4. Others
- 5.3. North America Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, by Country, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 5.3.1. Key Highlights
- 5.3.1.1. U.S. Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 5.3.1.2. U.S. Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 5.3.1.3. Canada Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 5.3.1.4. Canada Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 5.3.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis
- 6. Europe Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, 2018 – 2031
- 6.1. Europe Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, By Product, Value (US$ Bn) and Volume (Units), 2018 – 2031
- 6.1.1. Key Highlights
- 6.1.1.1. Arthroscope and Arthroscopic Systems
- 6.1.1.1.1. Arthroscope
- 6.1.1.1.2. Arthroscopy Fluid Management Systems
- 6.1.1.1.3. Arthroscopy Visualization Systems
- 6.1.1.2. Arthroscopic Shavers
- 6.1.1.2.1. Arthroscopic Shaver Systems
- 6.1.1.2.2. Disposables
- 6.1.1.3. Arthroscopic Implants
- 6.1.1.3.1. Interference Screws
- 6.1.1.3.2. Suture Anchors
- 6.1.1.4. Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Systems & Wands
- 6.1.1.4.1. Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Systems
- 6.1.1.4.2. Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Wands
- 6.2. Europe Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 6.2.1. Key Highlights
- 6.2.1.1. Hospitals
- 6.2.1.2. Ambulatory Surgical Centers
- 6.2.1.3. Orthopaedic Clinics
- 6.2.1.4. Others
- 6.3. Europe Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, by Country, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 6.3.1. Key Highlights
- 6.3.1.1. Germany Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 6.3.1.2. Germany Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 6.3.1.3. U.K. Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 6.3.1.4. U.K. Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 6.3.1.5. France Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 6.3.1.6. France Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 6.3.1.7. Italy Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 6.3.1.8. Italy Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 6.3.1.9. Turkey Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 6.3.1.10. Turkey Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 6.3.1.11. Russia Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 6.3.1.12. Russia Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 6.3.1.13. Rest of Europe Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 6.3.1.14. Rest of Europe Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 6.3.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis
- 7. Asia Pacific Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, 2018 – 2031
- 7.1. Asia Pacific Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, By Product, Value (US$ Bn) and Volume (Units), 2018 – 2031
- 7.1.1. Key Highlights
- 7.1.1.1. Arthroscope and Arthroscopic Systems
- 7.1.1.1.1. Arthroscope
- 7.1.1.1.2. Arthroscopy Fluid Management Systems
- 7.1.1.1.3. Arthroscopy Visualization Systems
- 7.1.1.2. Arthroscopic Shavers
- 7.1.1.2.1. Arthroscopic Shaver Systems
- 7.1.1.2.2. Disposables
- 7.1.1.3. Arthroscopic Implants
- 7.1.1.3.1. Interference Screws
- 7.1.1.3.2. Suture Anchors
- 7.1.1.4. Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Systems & Wands
- 7.1.1.4.1. Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Systems
- 7.1.1.4.2. Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Wands
- 7.2. Asia Pacific Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 7.2.1. Key Highlights
- 7.2.1.1. Hospitals
- 7.2.1.2. Ambulatory Surgical Centers
- 7.2.1.3. Orthopaedic Clinics
- 7.2.1.4. Others
- 7.3. Asia Pacific Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, by Country, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 7.3.1. Key Highlights
- 7.3.1.1. China Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 7.3.1.2. China Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 7.3.1.3. Japan Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 7.3.1.4. Japan Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 7.3.1.5. South Korea Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 7.3.1.6. South Korea Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 7.3.1.7. India Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 7.3.1.8. India Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 7.3.1.9. Southeast Asia Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 7.3.1.10. Southeast Asia Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 7.3.1.11. Rest of Asia Pacific Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 7.3.1.12. Rest of Asia Pacific Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 7.3.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis
- 8. Latin America Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, 2018 – 2031
- 8.1. Latin America Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, By Product, Value (US$ Bn) and Volume (Units), 2018 – 2031
- 8.1.1. Key Highlights
- 8.1.1.1. Arthroscope and Arthroscopic Systems
- 8.1.1.1.1. Arthroscope
- 8.1.1.1.2. Arthroscopy Fluid Management Systems
- 8.1.1.1.3. Arthroscopy Visualization Systems
- 8.1.1.2. Arthroscopic Shavers
- 8.1.1.2.1. Arthroscopic Shaver Systems
- 8.1.1.2.2. Disposables
- 8.1.1.3. Arthroscopic Implants
- 8.1.1.3.1. Interference Screws
- 8.1.1.3.2. Suture Anchors
- 8.1.1.4. Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Systems & Wands
- 8.1.1.4.1. Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Systems
- 8.1.1.4.2. Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Wands
- 8.2. Latin America Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 8.2.1. Key Highlights
- 8.2.1.1. Hospitals
- 8.2.1.2. Ambulatory Surgical Centers
- 8.2.1.3. Orthopaedic Clinics
- 8.2.1.4. Others
- 8.3. Latin America Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, by Country, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 8.3.1. Key Highlights
- 8.3.1.1. Brazil Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 8.3.1.2. Brazil Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 8.3.1.3. Mexico Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 8.3.1.4. Mexico Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 8.3.1.5. Argentina Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 8.3.1.6. Argentina Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 8.3.1.7. Rest of Latin America Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 8.3.1.8. Rest of Latin America Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 8.3.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis
- 9. Middle East & Africa Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, 2018 – 2031
- 9.1. Middle East & Africa Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, By Product, Value (US$ Bn) and Volume (Units), 2018 – 2031
- 9.1.1. Key Highlights
- 9.1.1.1. Arthroscope and Arthroscopic Systems
- 9.1.1.1.1. Arthroscope
- 9.1.1.1.2. Arthroscopy Fluid Management Systems
- 9.1.1.1.3. Arthroscopy Visualization Systems
- 9.1.1.2. Arthroscopic Shavers
- 9.1.1.2.1. Arthroscopic Shaver Systems
- 9.1.1.2.2. Disposables
- 9.1.1.3. Arthroscopic Implants
- 9.1.1.3.1. Interference Screws
- 9.1.1.3.2. Suture Anchors
- 9.1.1.4. Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Systems & Wands
- 9.1.1.4.1. Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Systems
- 9.1.1.4.2. Arthroscopy Radio Frequency Wands
- 9.2. Middle East & Africa Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 9.2.1. Key Highlights
- 9.2.1.1. Hospitals
- 9.2.1.2. Ambulatory Surgical Centers
- 9.2.1.3. Orthopaedic Clinics
- 9.2.1.4. Others
- 9.3. Middle East & Africa Arthroscopic Devices Market Outlook, by Country, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 9.3.1. Key Highlights
- 9.3.1.1. GCC Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 9.3.1.2. GCC Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 9.3.1.3. South Africa Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 9.3.1.4. South Africa Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 9.3.1.5. Egypt Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 9.3.1.6. Egypt Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 9.3.1.7. Nigeria Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 9.3.1.8. Nigeria Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 9.3.1.9. Rest of Middle East & Africa Arthroscopic Devices Market By Product, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 9.3.1.10. Rest of Middle East & Africa Arthroscopic Devices Market By End User, Value (US$ Bn), 2018 – 2031
- 9.3.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis
- 10. Competitive Landscape
- 10.1. Company Market Share Analysis, 2022
- 10.2. Competitive Dashboard
- 10.3. Company Profiles
- 10.3.1. Arthrex, Inc.
- 10.3.1.1. Company Overview
- 10.3.1.2. Product Portfolio
- 10.3.1.3. Financial Overview
- 10.3.1.4. Business Strategies and Development
- 10.3.2. CONMED Corporation
- 10.3.2.1. Company Overview
- 10.3.2.2. Product Portfolio
- 10.3.2.3. Financial Overview
- 10.3.2.4. Business Strategies and Development
- 10.3.3. Olympus Corporation
- 10.3.3.1. Company Overview
- 10.3.3.2. Product Portfolio
- 10.3.3.3. Financial Overview
- 10.3.3.4. Business Strategies and Development
- 10.3.4. Richard Wolf GmbH
- 10.3.4.1. Company Overview
- 10.3.4.2. Product Portfolio
- 10.3.4.3. Financial Overview
- 10.3.4.4. Business Strategies and Development
- 10.3.5. Johnson & Johnson
- 10.3.5.1. Company Overview
- 10.3.5.2. Product Portfolio
- 10.3.5.3. Financial Overview
- 10.3.5.4. Business Strategies and Development
- 10.3.6. Smith and Nephew Plc.
- 10.3.6.1. Company Overview
- 10.3.6.2. Product Portfolio
- 10.3.6.3. Financial Overview
- 10.3.6.4. Business Strategies and Development
- 10.3.7. Stryker Corporation
- 10.3.7.1. Company Overview
- 10.3.7.2. Product Portfolio
- 10.3.7.3. Financial Overview
- 10.3.7.4. Business Strategies and Development
- 10.3.8. KARL STORZ GmbH & Co., KG
- 10.3.8.1. Company Overview
- 10.3.8.2. Product Portfolio
- 10.3.8.3. Financial Overview
- 10.3.8.4. Business Strategies and Development
- 11. Appendix
- 11.1. Research Methodology
- 11.2. Report Assumptions
- 11.3. Acronyms and Abbreviations
Pricing
Currency Rates
Questions or Comments?
Our team has the ability to search within reports to verify it suits your needs. We can also help maximize your budget by finding sections of reports you can purchase.