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Hip protectors are often used to reduce the impact of falls in the elderly - but the evidence that they do much good is lacking. Elderly people fear lots of things - especially falling and fracturing their hip, an event which can herald the exit lounge - either the big one or the one to the nursing home. It's been estimated that by 2050 there'll be 4.5 million hip fractures a year worldwide. There are a few things you can do - one is to prevent falls, another is to strengthen bones and a third is to reduce the impact of a fall by wearing a hip protector. The trouble is they're not fashion items. Protectors tend to be cumbersome unsightly things because of their padding. So is it worth looking like a Michelin man or woman? Well..... it's questionable. Trials have produced positive results especially for people in nursing homes but when critically analysed, were found wanting. Now an updated review of hip protector trials has been published and finds no evidence they help people living at home and uncertainty about whether they're much cop in institutions or with people at high risk. Good news for the view from behind but more hard yakka for prevention.
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