Are hip protectors cost effective?

The purpose of this study is to assess the cost effectiveness of hip protectors in preventing proximal femoral or ‘hip’ fractures in the elderly. The incidence of ‘hip’ fractures within the different age groups and the number of patients admitted from institutional care was determined from a prospective audit of all ‘hip’ fractures over a four year period at our hospital. Compliance and estimation of the effectiveness of hip protectors was taken from data from the five randomised trials of hip protectors. The cost of using hip protectors was obtained from the manufacturers. There was long term compliance in 36% of population. There was a reduction of ‘hip’ fractures from 6.5 to 2.3%. The cost of using hip protectors was £113/person/year. For those aged over 80 years and for institutional care patients the wearing of hip protectors appears to be cost effective.