[Geriatric aspects in operative treatment of intertrochanteric fractures (author's transl)]

On the basis of published data and of 702 osteosyntheses carried out using the Pohl sliding hip screw, the authors come to the conclusion that the mortality rate in geriatric patients is not correlated to the method of osteosynthesis used. Of utmost importance are immediate operation and early mobilisation. The osteosynthesis of intertrochanteric fractures in geriatric patients must facilitate early loading of the fracture site. This paper compares intramedullary nails, pertrochanteric blade plates, Y-nails and sliding hip screws, and contrasts these with the authors' own experience with the Pohl sliding hip screw.