Citation

Woo J, Sum C, Yiu HH, Ip K, Chung L, Ho L. Clin. Rehabil. 2003; 17(2): 203-205.

Affiliation

Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong. jeanwoowong@cuhk.edu.hk

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12625661

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.