Two-hole side-plate DHS in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture: results and complications.

We reviewed 83 intertrochanteric fractures fixed with a 135 degree dynamic hip screw (DHS) and two-hole side-plate. The mean age was 72 years. There were 13 A1.1, 24 A1.2, 16 A2.1, 29 A2.2 and 1 A2.3 fractures. Established osteoporosis was seen in 55 patients. The mean time to union was 14.5 weeks. Sixty-eight percent had minimal collapse, 24% moderate and 8% severe. Over 80% of moderate and severe collapses were associated with osteoporosis and an unstable fracture pattern. There were four failures: two from lag screw cut-out and two from pull-out of the side-plate.