Infections after intramedullary fixation of trochanteric fractures are uncommon and implant removal is not usually needed

•Rate of surgical site infections were 2.8% after intramedullary fixation of trochanteric fracture.•Cigarette smoking and prolonged operative time significantly increase the risk of an infection.•Exchange or removal of the whole implant was not needed for any of the patients.•None of the patients needed additional surgeries for problems with fracture healing.•Mortality was not increased among patients with an infection.