To evaluate the effect of the sliding hip screw with wiring of lesser trochanter for the treatment of unstable trochanteric fractures.

: we analysed retrospectively 39 cases between 1995 and 1999. All cases were followed up for more than 1 year. Using modified Watson-Jonson approach, we performed reduction of the fracture as anatomically possible extent.

Bony union was obtained in average 6 months. Nonunion with metal failure occurred in one case. The average sliding of lag screw was 11mm. The average change of neck-shaft angle (NSA) was 1.8degrees respectively. Satisfactory NSA was achieved in 33 cases except 2 cases of varus and 4 cases of valgus both exceeding 10degrees.

The sliding hip screw with wiring of lesser trochanter is a useful option for unstable trochanteric fractures because of its initial stability as buttress effect on posteromedial cortex to allow early ambulation.