Hip protector use should be considered in residents identified as having risk factors and at
high risk for falls in long term care. Injury site protection from soft shell hip protectors is
achieved by absorption of the impact from a fall whereas hard shell hip protectors disperse
the fall impact away from hip to surrounding soft tissue. Hip protector use for the older
individual who has a diagnosis of osteoporosis, previous fracture and/or at high risk of falls
is a component to be considered in any fall management program although the literature
has not been consistent related to effectiveness in fracture prevention mainly due to low