Loading...
Several studies have found that hip protectors reduce the incidence of hip fracture in elderly persons, but a recent Cochrane Review concluded that the studies were methodologically flawed. In a randomized controlled trial, researchers assigned 37 U.S. nursing homes to have all of their participating residents wear a hip protector on either the left or the right side. At each site, the study was preceded by a 2-week trial period of use.
The elliptical-shaped protective device consisted of a layer of foam backed by a hard, high-density shell that was backed by more foam. The device was worn in a pocket in pull-up underwear, covering from the iliac crest to below the lesser trochanter.
Among 1042 participants (mean age, 85; 79% women), 15.7% ha…