hip protectors

by Rein Tideiksaar, PhD

The likelihood of a fall-related hip fracture is greatest in those clients with a loss of bone strength (due to osteoporosis, for example) and a reduction of soft tissue or fat covering the hip area. As a result, the hip's ability to withstand an impact with a hard ground surface and protect against a hip fracture is diminished. Hip protectors are devices designed to protect the hip bones during a fall. In essence, hip protectors act to reduce the risk of hip fracture by absorbing the force of the fall (in other words, performing as shock absorbers) and/or diverting this force away from the hip bone (the energy of the fall is then absorbed by soft tissues and muscles surrounding the hip bone).

Hip protectors really work -- read the latest test report.

Hip protectors consist of two basic types:

Absorptive pad protectors
These consist of soft foam pads that are held in place at the hips with specially designed removable briefs or underwear. The pads are either sewn into or inserted inside pockets located over each hip. These light-weight, stretchy garments come in a range of sizes to ensure proper fit. Absorptive pad hip protectors are also available in sweat pants and shorts, which might be more comfortable for some clients. In addition to hip pads, some models include pads to protect the tailbone and knees against injury.

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

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

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

2. Energy shunting protectors

These consist of hard shields or shells contained in special pants, usually in removable briefs or underwear. The shields or shells slip into pockets sewn over the hips. Similar to absorptive protectors, these garments come in a range of sizes to ensure proper fit.

The risk of hip fracture when falling while wearing hip protectors compared with a fall with no hip protector in place is significantly reduced. The best use of hip protectors is in those patients/resident at greatest hip fracture risk (for example, highly medicated, seizure disorder, balance impairment, cognitive impairment, brittle or weak bones and multiple falls). In addition to preventing hip fractures, hip protectors have other benefits. Clients at risk for hip fracture (those individuals with gait and balance impairment, brittle bones and frequent falls, for instance) feel much more confident in their everyday activities when wearing hip protectors, and staff feel more comfortable in allowing "at-risk" patients/residents to move about freely.

Updated May 2008