1. The results of treatment of 100 consecutive patients with pertrochanteric and basal fractures of the femur treated by early operative fixation with a McKee two-piece nail and plate are reviewed.

2. Technical failures are analysed and discussed.

3. The pattern of mortality is discussed and contrasted with that in a comparable series of patients treated conservatively.

4. It is concluded that early operative fixation is the method of choice in the management of these fractures, and that the McKee pin and plate is a satisfactory and reliable device for securing internal fixation.