Preventing Hip Fractures

Hip-Hope Technologies, an Israeli start-up company founded in 2011, has developed an innovative, light-weight [1 kg or 2.2 lb] belt that is able to reduce fall impact and lessen the chance of hip fractures in the elderly. As the company’s name suggests, their product offers an alternative to the devastating effects of a broken hip.

As we age, our chances of breaking a bone increase dramatically and hip fractures rank high on the list of serious medical conditions. According to an article in AHC Media, “Five-year survival after a hip fracture is similar to that of patients with breast or other cancer. Almost one in 13 (7.5%) of those with fragility fractures will die within 90 days.” And for the survivors, almost half are unable to return home or live independently after the fall (MedicineNet).

The Hip-Hope belt has sensors which, along with the system logic, enable it to distinguish between normal movement of the wearer and an impending fall. Once the system has identified a fall in progress, its “proprietary explosive-free airbag inflator mechanism instantly deploys two protective air bags” (www.hip-hope.com) that lessen the impact of the fall.

The company has managed to gain attention at a global level. In 2015, the belt received first place at the MEDinIsrael international conference and exhibition. Recently the company was recognized by DISRUPT100 as one of the 100 companies with the most potential to influence, change or create new global markets.”

Prof. Stephen Robinovitch, a world leading researcher on the prevention of falls and fall-related injuries in older adults, said this about Hip-Hope’s belt: “Over the years, I’ve been exposed to several ideas for developing active hip protectors that will prevent hip fractures in the event of a fall. I find the technology of Hip-Hope to be especially innovative and promising in this regard.”