Reducing hip fractures in the elderly

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.