The percutaneous compression plate (PCCP) in the treatment of trochanteric hip fractures in elderly patients.

We carried out a prospective study to assess the value of mini-invasive osteosynthesis with the PerCutaneous Compression Plate (PCCP) in the treatment of trochanteric hip fractures in elderly patients. Sixty five consecutive patients were included, with an average age at surgery of 84.2 years (range : 63 to 99), with more than 93% ASA 2, 3 or 4 patients. No perioperative complications were noted. All but two patients were ambulatory with weight bearing two days after operation. The postoperative blood transfusion rate was only 25%. No patient was lost to follow-up. We noted 11 deaths (17%) at the end of follow-up (5 during hospitalisation and 6 during the first 9 months). The re-operation rate was 4.5%. Osteosynthesis with the PCCP allows for decreased intraoperative bleeding and minimises injury to muscle and tendon structures. The stability and quality of the construct enable early recovery of patients while limiting morbidity for this type of fracture.