[Prevention with hip protectors. Biomechanical aspects in falls and hip fractures]

The cascade of events leading to hip fracture is: a fall, protective responses, impact to the hip, local energy absorption and bone strength. A fall from standing height on the hip corresponds to a force of about 3500 N and the bone strength of the proximal femur in elderly women and men ranges between 2000 to 6000 N. Efficient hip protective systems have been developed and may be a significant factor in the prevention of hip fractures among the elderly with propensity to fall and osteoporosis. Theoretically, more than 90 per cent of all hip fractures can be prevented, and a substantial reduction in the rate of hip fractures can be obtained, when systematic intervention programs are initiated among nursing home residents. Prevention of hip fractures among home dwellers may be a greater challenge, although preliminary results seem promising. Improvement in design has made the protectors more compliant and may facilitate the aim of preventing hip fractures.