Between 1979 and 1983 we treated 169 fractures with a sliding compression hip screw out of 402 operated fractures of the upper femur. The indication for this method included all types of proximal femoral fractures. In case of instable trochanteric fractures convincing results of treatment could be achieved because of early weight bearing. As complications could be found in two cases loss of fixation. The mortality rate was 17.8 per cent. Still 2/3 of the injured with an average age of 76.2 years could leave the hospital walking on their own after an average stay of 37.6 days.