Falls are a major cause of injury and hospitalisation in older people. Hip fractures specifically, are the most serious of falls-related injury. Many people who suffer a hip fracture will never return to their previous level of independence and will often require ongoing care in a facility. Hip fractures occur at a rate of 199 per 100,000 population for Australians over 45 (Institute of Health and Welfare 2018). Studies have shown that 25% of older people who fracture their hip will die within 12 months of the fracture (NSW Ministry of Health, 2011).

Taking proactive steps to lessen the incidence of hip fracture will ultimately help to save lives.

Hip protectors have been recognised as one of the most cost-effective falls prevention interventions in residential aged care (NSW Ministry of Health, 2011).

They can be defined as a garment with a hip protector shield fitted to both sides. When the shield is located in the correct place over the hip, it will work to absorb the forces of impact caused by a lateral fall. Research has shown that wearing hip protectors can reduce the incidence of hip fracture by half (NSW Ministry of Health, 2011). They have also been shown to improve confidence when worn.

Medical garments can often be complicated to don and unenjoyable to wear. And productive garments are rendered useless if they are never worn. For this reason, we have developed HCH® products to be as comfortable as they are effective. We offer a variety of ways to wear our shields (sewn-ins, pockets or in trackpants) to cater for all types of tastes and lifestyles. HCH® shields are also soft enough to wear to bed, offering protection 24/7.

HCH® shields are made of soft dimpled silicone core and are virtually indestructible. They have been independently impact tested by the Applied Mechanics Laboratory of Tampere University, Finland and informally impact tested at Royal North Shore Hospital Biomedical Engineering Service, Australia. HCH® is registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia. 

For high compliance protection, it is essential that HCH® protective underwear is worn and cared for properly. 

Hornsby Comfy Hips® pants and shields have been specifically designed as compatible items for maximum effectiveness. Cross matching of our shields or pants with other brands is not endorsed by us.

Hip protectors are an effective aid in reducing the chance of breaking a hip in the event of a fall. They will not however, prevent all hip fractures. In the event of a car accident, a fall onto buttocks or severe cases of osteoporosis or other bone degenerating illness, a hip fracture may still occur.