Hip protector

  Most hip fractures are induced by an impact due to a lateral fall. Therefore, specialized pants known as hip protectors have been developed that contain pads (either hard or soft) along the outside of each hip/leg. Hip protectors are either of the "crash helmet type" or "energy-absorbing type". The "crash helmet type" distributes impacts into the surrounding soft tissue, while the "energy-absorbing type" is made of a compressible material and diminishes the force of impact. Both of these systems aim to reduce the focused force beneath an estimated fracture threshold.

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Several different commercially available hip protectors exist. Clinical studies of their effectiveness has shown conflicting results, but a growing body of evidence indicates that hip protectors, as currently designed, are not effective for preventing hip fracture among nursing home residents. It should be noted, however, acceptance and compliance towards them is quite low.

References

• Kannus P et al. Prevention of hip fracture in elderly people with use of a hip protector. N Engl J Med. 2000 Nov 23;343(21):1506-13
• Holzer G, Holzer LA. Hip protectors and prevention of hip fractures in older persons. Geriatrics. 2007 Aug;62(8):15-20
• Kiel, DP et al. Efficacy of a hip protector to prevent hip fracture in nursing home residents: the HIP PRO randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2007 Jul 25;298(4):454-5.