title: Experiences with external hip protectors in homes for the aged: a report from Finland.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Three observational studies were performed to examine the use and effectiveness of external hip protectors intended to prevent hip fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected by: (1) questionnaire to health centers or homes for the aged to which hip protectors had been sent; (2) comparison of users of hip protectors and control subjects;(3) comparison of users of hip protectors, comparing time wearing versus not wearing their hip protectors for part of the study period.
  
  
  METHODS
  The use of external hip protectors is a good, cost-effective adjunctive tool in preventing hip fractures. However, improvements in design are still needed to increase compliance.
authors.affiliation: Kaleva Health Center, Tampere, Finland.
authors.forename: Päivi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mäki-Jokela
authors.forename: Jaakko
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Valvanne
authors.forename: Pirkko
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jäntti
authors.forename: Rauno
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Heikinheimo