Despite intense research and innovations in peri-operative management, a high mortality rate and frequent systemic complications in trochanteric femoral fractures persist. The aim of the present study was to identify predictive factors for mortality and cardio-respiratory complications after different treatment methods in a ten year period at a level I trauma centre. Retrospectively, all patients above 60years of age with trochanteric femoral fracture between January 2000 and May 2011 were analyzed at a level I trauma centre. Demographic variables, comorbidities, and data regarding the surgical procedures, including required transfusions and post-operative complications, were evaluated, and the in-hospital mortality was recorded. The grade of osteoporosis was classified radiographically using the Singh index. The in-hospital mortality rate was 8.2% among 437 patients (male/female ratio=110/327, mean age=81years) with extramedullary open (n=144), intramedullary (n=166), and extramedullary minimally invasive (n=125) procedures. Significant influential factors on in-hospital mortality were identified with binary logistic regression analysis: an age of ≥90years (P=0.011), male sex (P=0.003), a high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade (3-5, P=0.042), and a high osteoporosis grade (Singh index 3-1, P=0.011). A total of 21.5% of the study population suffered cardio-respiratory complications post-operatively. The specific mortality was 28.7% (P<0.001), which was influenced by a high ASA grade (3-5, P=0.002) and a high transfusion rate (P=0.004). Minimally invasive locked plating was associated with increased cardio-respiratory complications (P=0.031). This study identified high patient age, distinctive comorbidities, male sex, and high osteoporosis grade as significant risk factors for increased in-hospital mortality in the treatment of trochanteric femoral fractures. Furthermore, high ASA grade and a liberal transfusion regime led to an increased incidence of cardio-respiratory complications. Patient-specific characteristics, especially osteoporosis grade and pre-existing medical conditions, may assist in the identification of high-risk patients and allow a patient-specific geriatric co-management plan.