Hip Protectors Show Success in Preventing Fractures
In addition to taking steps to strengthen bones and avoid falls, men and women with osteoporosis and/or a history of falls should consider wearing hip protectors. These external devices are designed to prevent hip fractures by reducing the impact of falls when they occur. Most hip protectors are worn under clothing and consist of plastic shields or foam pads that are held in place at the hips with specially designed underwear.

Clinical studies have found hip protectors to be effective in reducing the risk of hip fractures among older people, by absorbing the force of a fall and diverting this force away from the hip bone.

Several hip protectors are available in the United States. The leading seller is Safehip, a device line manufactured by Denmark's Tytex Group that has proved effective in several trials. Other brands include KPH, CuraMedica and HipGuard.

Most hip protectors cost about $100; the devices are not covered by Medicare or most health insurance plans.

For more information, see www.hiprotector.com. For information about Safehip, see http://tytex.cms.digitalis.dk.

(This article originally appeared in the Fall 2004 issue of Bay Area Summit)

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