Introduction and purpose: Calcaneal fractures are relatively common. The severity of this condition is due to the residual functional limitation. There are several therapeutic alternatives.

Materials and methods: We carried out a retrospective study of 70 patients with calcaneal fractures, divided into two groups. The first group of 35 patients was treated with bone synthesis using pins and the second group of 35 with bone synthesis with a low-profile plate and screws. We analysed epidemiological data, injury mechanism, type of fracture and complications. We calculated the reduction of Böhler’s angle and return to work. The clinical and functional results were analysed using the AOFAS scale.

Results: The mean age and injury mechanism were very similar in both groups. In the pin group, the fracture type was mainly grade 2 according to the Sanders classification, while in the plate group it was grade 3.

The reduction of Böhler’s angle was greater in the plate group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to return to work. However the final AOFAS score was 82.7 in the plate and 69.8 in the pin group.

Conclusions: A fracture of the calcaneus is a complex pathology, especially because of the functional limitation it leaves behind.

There were fewer complications in the plate group, except for skin problems.