Case report of a hip-protecting, wearable airbag contributing to a serious adverse event in an older adult.

backgroundHip-protecting wearable airbags are a novel development, designed for improved efficacy and improved wearer experience compared to traditional hard shell hip protectors. The latter, though effective when worn, are seldom used due to their discomfort to the wearer. Though commercially available, there is limited published data on the efficacy, acceptability or safety of hip-protecting wearable airbags. Here we report on a serious adverse incident (SAE) in one individual wearing one such device. CASE PRESENTATION: A community-dwelling 83 year old female participated in a clinical trial exploring the acceptability and usability of hip-protecting wearable airbags in older adults. She had normal cognition and used a zimmer frame or two walking sticks to mobilise. She had had no falls in the last year but had a marked Fear of Falling (FoF). She had osteoporosis without a fracture history and had centripetal obesity. She was fitted with a commercially-available hip-protecting wearable airbag worn around the waist as a belt with a snap buckle closure, and an elasticated component to ensure fit. Researchers were satisfied that she was able to fit, wear and remove it correctly after instruction and demonstration. On day three of study participation, the participant was walking outdoors and whilst unnoticed to her, the belt was observed by a passer-by to have slipped down to her thighs, ultimately straddling her stride resulting in a fall and distal femur fracture. The participant was found on the ground with the hip-protecting wearable airbag positioned just above her knees, with the buckle still fastened. She required surgical fixation of the fracture and had a prolonged, complicated hospital stay.

conclusionsHip-protecting wearable airbags, though a promising development, may cause serious injury due to slippage risk, particularly in those with centripetal obesity. A manufacturer's warning should accompany these commercially-available devices to safeguard the user until design change is considered.