In a single year, 350,000 Americans break a hip. These fractures are due to a fall 90% of the time. Residents in nursing homes seem particularly vulnerable. Up to 50% of residents fall each year!
In the past few years, companies have developed pads which can be worn on the hip. It was thought that these pads would offer enough cushioning to the hip to prevent a fracture.
But according to a new study, that doesn’t appear to be the case.
Dr. Douglas Kiel from the Harvard Medical School and team conducted a test on more than 1000 nursing home residents.
The average age of the study participants was 85 years old. Each participant wore a specially designed undergarment that included a one-sided hip protector. The study lasted for almost eight months.
Hip protectors come in two types: ones that divert the energy of a fall away from the hip, and ones that absorb the impact of a fall. The research team decided to test energy- absorbing hip protectors.
The researchers discovered that there was little difference between the number of hip fractures in those wearing the hip protector, and those without a hip protector.
The fracture rate was 3.1% vs. 2.5%, respectively.
The findings were reported in the June issue of the “Journal of the American Medical Association.”
One doctor explained the disappointing findings by pointing out that fractures often occur before impact. It is the unnatural rotation of the hip in a fall that causes most fractures.
If that is the case, then padding the hip can’t do much to prevent a fracture. Now researchers are working to invent a hip protector that would keep the hip in proper alignment during a fall.
There are many types of hip protectors on the market. They can cost as little as $30 and as much as $175. But the researchers in the study warn that many of these protectors have not been tested.
If you want to try a hip protector, make sure you get one that has been clinically tested.
The best prevention against fractures is to stop falls from happening in the first place. Make sure you get some exercise every day. Strengthening your muscles will help you to keep your balance.
At home, move trip hazards out of the way and make sure rooms are well lit. Beware of medications that make you dizzy — being dizzy can put you at greater risk for a fall. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have this problem. There may be an alternate medicine you can take.
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