Background: Treatment of intra-articular calcaneal
fracture is a major orthopaedic challenge. The aim of this study was to
evaluate the results of non-operative treatment of intra-articular calcaneal
fractures, its effects and performance. Methods: In a retrospective study, 58 patients (44 males,
14 females) with intra-articular calcaneal fracture were evaluated clinically
and radiographically using a general performance and AOFAS, and FFI questionnaires
between 2003 and 2011 in Tehran, Iran. The mean follow-up time was 3.27 years
(2-6 years). Radiographic signs of osteoarthrities were also evaluated.  Results: The mean age of patients was 38.4
(18-85 years). Ten cases (17.2%) were "tangue" and 48 (82.8%)
"joint depression" type. Spine injury was abserved in 13.8%, other
limb injuries in 27.6%, and head injury in 3.4% of the cases. The mean AOFAS
score was 79.14 and FFI score 24.7. Osteoarthritis of moderate degree was seen
in 48% and severe in 17% of the cases an radiographs. By the time of follow-up,
5 patients had required surgeries to treat the delayed complications.  Conclusions: Treatment of intra-articular calcaneal
fracture is a real challenge. Close treatment, although maybe painless and give
comparable results with open surgery in AOFAS and FFI testing, will show
radiographic signs of osteoarthirits in about 50% of the time-even in short or
mid-term follow-up.