Innovations in Aged Care: Hip protectors: promising but no panacea

Abstract

Abstract: Interest in hip protectors to prevent hip fractures in older people is increasing rapidly with their use suggested to many older people. Research indicates that almost all hip fractures occur after a fall onto the hip region and a number of hip protectors have been designed to reduce the force of the fall. Wearing of hip protectors has been shown to be effective in randomised trials in nursing homes with residents at high risk of hip fracture. However, adherence with use of hip protectors is incomplete and hip fracture can still occasionally occur while wearing hip protectors. No published studies have examined the effectiveness of hip protectors in people living in the community rather than in residential aged care facilities.