Reducing hip fractures in the elderly

Abstract

Clinical question

Is there evidence that hip protectors and vitamin D with calcium supplementation reduce hip fractures in the elderly?

Results

The results are that vitamin D and calcium supplementation reduce incidence of hip fractures. Hip protectors provide some benefit in reducing hip fractures in elderly patients in residential facilities.

Implementation

Primary care providers should assess patients for the risk of hip fracture and consider using hip protectors and nutritional supplementaton in selected individuals to prevent fractures.

Keywords:

• hip fracture
• hip protector
• vitamin D
• calcium

Date of preparation: 6th December 2010

Conflict of interest: None declared