Purpose of the study: Percutaneous compressive plating (PCCP) enables minimally invasive surgery using closed focus technique. We report a prospective consecutive series of 67 fractures (December 2003 – February 2005) followed to bone healing.

Material and methods: Mean patient age was 83 years (range 37–95) with 83% females in a frail population (ASA 3, 4). Two-thirds of the patients had unstable fractures (AO classification) which were reduced on an orthopedic table under fluoroscope. Two minimal incisions were used to insert the material without opening the fracture and without postoperative drainage. Blood loss was noted. Verticalization and weight bearing were encouraged early depending on the patient’s status but were never limited for mechanical reasons. Patients were reviewed at 2, 4 and 6 months.

Results: Anatomic reduction was achieved in 84% of hips, with screw position considered excellent for 45, good for 14, and poor for 6. There were no intraoperative complications. The material was left in place. The hemoglobin level fell 2.2 g on average. Mean operative time was 35 minutes and the duration of radiation exposure 60 seconds. Mean hospital stay was 13 days. General complications were: urinary tract infections (n=10), phlebitis (n=2), talar sores (n=5). Gliding occurred in three cases (4%) with telescopic displacement measuring less than 10 mm in ten cases. There were two varus alignments with no functional impact. There were four deaths within the first three weeks. All fractures healed within three months.

Discussion and conclusion: PCCP has its drawbacks (mechanical, stabilization) as do all osteosynthesis methods used for trochanteric fractures. The technique is reliable and reproducible and is indicated for all trochanteric fractures excepting the subtrochanteric form. PCCP has the advantage of a closed procedure with a minimal incision and limited blood loss for a short operative time. An advantage for this population of elderly frail subjects (ASA 3, 4). PCCP enables immediate treatment with a low rate of material disassembly compared with other techniques.