Efficacy of a specially designed hip protector for hip fracture prevention and compliance with use in elderly Hong Kong Chinese

Abstract

Background: Hip protectors, while effective in prevention of hip fractures, have been designed for a Caucasian body build and may not be suitable for Asian subjects living in a subtropical climate.

Objective: Hip protectors and accompanying shorts were specially designed for use for the Chinese body build and subtropical climate, and tested for compliance and efficacy in fracture prevention.

Method: A pragmatic study examining compliance with the wearing of hip protectors, and effectiveness in preventing hip fractures (using a case control design), in 302 subjects wearing hip protectors and 352 control subjects.

Results: Overall compliance varied from 55 to 70%. The relative risk for hip fracture was 0.18 (0.04–0.79), relative risk reduction 82%, and the number of subjects needing to wear a hip protector to prevent one fracture was 33 (19–117).

Conclusion: Hip protectors adapted for use in Chinese people appear to reduce hip fractures in routine clinical practice.