[Efficacy and compliance of hip protectors in preventing fractures in the elderly: review of literature].
Hip fracture resulting from a fall is one of the main causes of morbidity and functional decay in elderly people. Hip protectors, plastic shields or foam pads fitted in pockets within specially designed underwear could represent an interesting preventive measure available to nursing staff caring for elderly people. The literature from 1993 to July 2005 was reviewed to assess the efficacy and compliance of such devices. In fact, the efficacy of this measure is still controversial because although there is some evidence that in institutions with high rates of hip fracture the use of hip protectors may help to reduce this incidence, there is no evidence of this being true for the majority of older people living at home. Compliance remains poor due to discomfort the practical impairment related to continuous wear of the device. While awaiting further evidence, nursing staff should not use the protectors as a routine measure to prevent hip fracture in institutionalized elderly people and outside a research program. Instead, they should concentrate on the implementation of those preventive measures that have been proved effective.
Matarese
Maria
M
Docente Discipline Infermieristiche, Corso di Laurea in Infermieristica, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma.
Picciacchia
Angela
A
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization; D008297:Male; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011482:Protective Devices; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors