The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic results for elderly patients sustaining unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with an uncemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty using a double-tapered, rectangular cross-section stem. Thirty-seven patients (21 females, 16 males; mean age 73.5 years, range 65-88 years) who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty with a standard (double-tapered, rectangular cross-section) uncemented stem were followed up for a minimum of two years. At final follow-up, 27 patients (72.9%) had recovered their daily living ability (Barthel index), and 28 patients (75.6%) had recovered all walking ability at a community level (Koval's category).