Thirty-eight patients with unstable trochanteric fractures of the femur were treated with Dimon-Hughston displacement osteotomy and cement augmentation at the fracture site. Of these patients 76 per cent had excellent and good results after an average follow-up of 3.7 years (range 2-5 years). Late complications occurred in six hips. These included non-union at the trochanteric fracture, protruding pin, partial destruction of the femoral head, subcapital fracture of the femoral neck, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head. All complications occurred late (1 year after surgery) and were related to inappropriate placement and excessive amount of cement, together with inadequate new bone formation. The augmentation of cement provided early stability for early mobilization in these elderly patients. However, when improperly used, late complications can occur.