Can Airbags Prevent Hip Fractures?

A hip fracture is a devastating and, unfortunately, too common injury that has a mortality rate of up to 30%.  A company in France that normally specializes in airbags for extreme sports has designed an airbag to prevent hip fractures in the elderly.  The device, which was presented at last week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, deploys airbags if it senses a person is falling.  The company claims that the shock absorption is nine times better than a standard hip protector and can lessen the impact force on the hips by 90%.  The hip airbags have undergone phase I testing and are slated for debut in the US in September of 2018.

As a surgeon who treats many patients with hip fractures, I see the devastating effects of these injuries.  Although I doubt this type of device will eliminate hip fractures, I gladly welcome anything that can decrease the risk of a hip fracture and improve the quality of life of my patients..  

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