The incidence of trochanteric fractures is rising because of increasing number of senior citizens with osteoporosis. There are various modalities for reduction and internal fixation. However, the incidence of complications remains high. In the herein article we discuss issues that influence the fixation and outcomes of unstable trochanteric fractures. Moreover, the results of a prospective, randomised, cohort, time bound, hospital based, comparative study is presented. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.