[Utilization of external hip protectors in frail elderly residents of nursing homes]

Falls are common among the elderly and stem from multiple causes. Much attention has been given to the development of falls-prevention programs, mainly because of the substantial risk for hip fracture sustained after a fall. The population of frail elderly nursing home residents is a high-risk group for falls. The utilization of an external hip protector that covers the greater trochanter of the femur has been shown to reduce the incidence of hip fractures. However, low compliance remains a major obstacle in the effective use of hip protector systems.