common uses of hip protectors to prevent hip fractures

by Rein Tideiksaar, PhD

Most hip fractures in older patients are related to a direct impact on the hip resulting from a fall. Fall related hip fractures occur when an older patient, typically with loss of bone strength or osteoporosis and insufficient soft tissue to absorb the shock, impacts the ground or other hard surface at or near the hip with a force that exceeds the fracture threshold of the hip.

Older hospital and nursing home patients are at risk of developing fall-related hip fractures because of their general frailty, multiple pathologies and mobility.

Hip protectors (pads worn over the greater trochanters, usually in modified hip protector underwear) are designed to absorb shock during a fall onto the hip. Patients benefiting from a hip protector include those who have frequent falls and health related conditions associated with hip fracture:

• Osteoporosis
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Arthritis
• Parkinson's disease
• Functional and balance impairment
• Cognitive impairment or dementia
• Diminished visual abilities
• Use of benzodiazepines or anticonvulsants

Other conditions that may warrant the use of a hip protector include:

• Any sudden change of health conditions associated with dizziness and/or loss of balance.
• Starting a medication associated with side effects of dizziness, orthostatic hypotension and/or loss of balance.
• Falls associated with dizziness and/or balance loss.
• Low staff: patient ratios

Adapted from Essential Falls Management Series: Guide to Hip Protectors CD, Health Professions Press.

Hip Protector Products

Hip protectors available in our Wellness Store:

Secure® Hip Protectors - Black (Male)
Removable tailbone pad with pocket, Sewn in hip pads, Waterproof high impact foam pad, Memory foam pads contour to body, Worn as underwear or outside clothing, Black - Male Fly Front, Breathable 94% Cotton / 6% Spandex, 6 Month Warranty
$19.99

Secure® Hip Protectors - Pink (Female)
Waterproof high impact foam pad, Memory foam pads contour to body, Worn as underwear or outside clothing, Pink - Female, Breathable 94% Cotton / 6% Spandex, 6 Month Warranty
$19.99

Secure® Hip Protectors - White (Unisex)
Removable tailbone pad with pocket, Sewn in hip pads, Waterproof high impact foam pad, Memory foam pads contour to body, Worn as underwear or outside clothing, White - Unisex, Breathable 94% Cotton / 6% Spandex, 6 Month Warranty
$19.99

Posted October 2005
Updated October 2009