ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and safety of subgluteal approach continous sciatic nerve block with 0.2% ropivacaine for postoperative analgesia in calcaneal fracture patients. MethodsForty calcaneal fracture patients treated from May 2012 to January 2013 were randomly assigned to two groups:20 patients in continuous sciatic nerve block group (group CSB) and 20 patients in self-controlled intravenous analgesia group (group PCIA).Patients in group CSB were given subgluteal approach continuous sciatic nerve block,and PCA pump was connected to give 0.2% ropivacaine via continuous nerve block catheter continuously for analgesia.Patients in group PCIA were given PCA pump directly for self-controlled intravenous analgesia.The movement/rest VAS scores and Ramsay scores at 2,8,24,48 hours after surgery,the dose of other analgesia drugs after surgery,the satisfaction of patients and surgeons,and side effects were recorded. ResultsThe movement and rest visual analogue scale (VSA) scores and the dose of analgesia drugs in group CSB were significantly lower than group PCIA at all time points (P<0.05).The satisfaction of patients and surgeons in group CSB was higher than group PCIA (P<0.05). ConclusionCompared with self-controlled intravenous analgesia,subgluteal approach continuous sciatic nerve block with 0.2% ropivacaine can provide better and safer postoperative analgesia for calcaneal fracture patients.