title: [Hip protectors: what is their role in the prevention of femoral fractures?].
abstract: In elderly persons, hip fracture is frequent and associated with serious physical, functional and psychological consequences. Hip protectors seem promising for preventing hip fractures, especially in frail, institutionalized elderly persons. Despite methodological limitations, five randomized trials have reported positive results, with up to 85% risk fracture reduction in some trial. Interestingly, although 13 hip fractures occurred in subjects assigned to wear hip protector, only one occurred while the protector was actually worn. Adherence with wearing hip protectors remains a problem. Several ongoing trials will further enhance our knowledge on hip protectors effectiveness and cost-effectiveness to better define their role in hip fracture prevention.
authors.affiliation: Division de gériatrie, Département de médecine interne, CHUV, et Centre universitaire de traitements et de réadaptation (CUTR) Sylvana.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ruggieri
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bosshard
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Büla
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004867:Equipment Design; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D011482:Protective Devices / Q000592:standards*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors