The authors have treated 25 unstable trochanteric fractures in old people by valgus osteotomy and nail-plate fixation. In 6 cases a medial translation was added. Walking with weight bearing was started 7 to 14 days after the operation. The results were satisfactory in only 14 cases. The authors think that this type of fixation is logical on a bio-mechanical standpoint. However they conclude that the procedure is not fiable enough.