ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical outcomes of 3D-printing assisting minimally invasive fixation of calcaneal fractures. MethodsThe study included 12 patients who were diagnosed with calcaneal fractures between October 2014 and May 2015. Using a real-size 3D-printed calcaneus model, the calcaneal locking plate could be preshaped before the operation and used with a minimally invasive approach to achieve rigid plate fixation just as with the lateral approach. Complications and surgery time were recorded and functional results were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot Society ankle-metapedes score (AOFAS). The reduction of fracture was evaluated using the Bohler angle and Gissane angle. ResultsThere was no relevant postoperative complications. All fractures got bone union. The mean postoperative Bohler angle was (29.4±6.1) ° and the mean postoperative Gissane angle was (121.4±12.6) °. The difference in Bohler angle and calcaneal Gissane angle before and after the surgery was significant (P ＜ 0.01) . The mean postoperative AOFAS score was 75.2±5.4, and the fine/excellent rate was 83.3%. ConclusionWe believe this novel technique can be useful for the operative treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.