Abstract： Objective:To investigate the surgical outcomes of calcaneal fractures via tarsal sinus incision vs lateral L-shaped incision.Methods:By using random number table, patients with calcaneal fractures admitted to our hospital between January 2017 and June 2018 were enrolled as study subjects. Among them, 42 patients received surgical treatment via tarsal sinus incision (study group) , and another 42 were randomly selected for surgical treatment via lateral L-shaped incision (control group) . The two groups were compared for surgical outcomes.Results:The postoperative calcaneal height, width and length, Bohler angle, and Cissane angle were improved compared with baseline in either group ( P<0.05) , but but did not differ significantly between groups ( P>0.05) . After surgery, the study group showed higher AOFAS score of foot function than did the control group ( t=5.267 8, P<0.05) . The rate of postoperative complication was 4.76% in the study group vs 19.05% in the control group ( χ2=4.086 5, P<0.05) . All patients were followed up for 6 months for loss of calcaneal reduction, degenerative osteoarthritis of the ankle and subtalar joints. Fewer patients in the study group experienced loss of calcaneal reduction compared with the control group ( χ2=4.200, P<0.05) at the end of 6-month follow-up. Conclusion:Surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures via tarsal sinus incision may result in less trauma, fewer postoperative complications, and quicker postoperative recovery.