Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of tarsal canal approach and minimally invasive reduction with reverse retractor on calcaneal fracture. Methods Fifty calcaneal fracture patients treated from February 2017 to February 2020 were selected. Tarsal canal approach and minimally invasive reduction with reverse retractor were performed; during surgery, small plate fixation was applied. The follow-up visit data, clinical indicators before and after surgery, as well as total effective rate, Bohler's angle recovery rate, and subtalar arthritis incidence rate among patients with different fracture types were compared. Results All of patients were followed-up after surgery, and the average follow-up time was （13.85±1.08） months. Among the 50 patients, 42 patients （84.00%） had a range of subtalar motion larger than 75.00%. After surgery, the calcaneal length and height were larger than before, the calcaneal width was lower, and the Gissane's angle and Bohler's angle were larger （P<0.05）. The total effective rates in type Ⅱ patients and type Ⅲ patients were 96.55% and 95.24%, respectively （P>0.05）. The Bohler's angle recovery rate in type Ⅲ patients was lower than that in type Ⅱ patients, and the incidence of subtalar arthritis was higher （P<0.05）. Conclusion The tarsal canal approach and minimally invasive reduction with reverse retractor are proven to be effective in treating calcaneal fracture.

Key words: Calcaneal fracture, Minimally invasive reduction, Reverse retractor, Incision, Tarsal canal