[Surgical management of pertrochanteric fractures with the dynamic hip screw of the AO type].

Since 1981 we have been using the dynamic hip screw (DHS) for surgical treatment of pertrochanteric fractures. After presentation of the implant and the operative technique the postoperative treatment is discussed. Immediate mobilization of the injured leg with weight-bearing is extremely important. Up to the end of 1986 we had used the DHS in 509 patients, whose average age was 75 years. During the hospital stay 31 patients died. Complications in the form of an infection occurred in 11 cases. Technical mistakes during surgery and breakage of the implant were each observed in two cases. After a period of 11 months patients were observed for assessment of the described technique. This examination was possible in 193 patients, showing excellent results presented in this paper. With full weight-bearing DHS ensures constant bony contact of the fracture fragments by means of the sliding mechanism. The advantages of the DHS are (1) relatively simple surgical technique; (2) low rate of complications; and (3) early mobilization without danger of complications resulting from the implant.