The use of hip protectors in nursing homes can reduce the number of fractures by half.

Falls are a huge problem among frail, elderly people. Impaired balance and co-ordination often mean that a fall causes a hip fracture and subsequent immobilisation, and even death. So any measures that can reduce the risk of injury after a fall are most welcome.

Hip protectors are one useful measure for reducing the risk of injury after a fall, but acceptance and use of these devices has been low. Researchers in Germany identified 42 nursing homes in Hamburg. Homes were allocated to either usual care, or provided with hip protectors. Staff in the second group of homes were taught to use the devices, and passed on this education to the residents.

Over a 14 month period, there were 21 hip fractures in the homes using the hip protectors, and 42 in the homes were the devices were not used. The researchers hope this will encourage more widespread acceptance of hip protectors for those older people who are most at risk of a fall.

Source

British Medical Journal 11th January 2003