Abstract: Objective To compare efficacy of fascia iliaca compartment block with single and multiple injections. Methods This wasa prospective, randomized, controlled study conducted on patients undergoing total hip replacement surgery. Patients were randomized to receive fascia iliaca compartment block by single injection or multiple injections using 150mg ropivacaine combined with 7.5mg dexamethasone. The total capacity of the injections is 30mL. We e valuated the onset time of sensory block and the success rate for block of the femoral nerve, the obturator nerve and the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Results A total of 133 patients were included in this study. The onset time of sensory block for the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and the obturator nerve sensory were shorter in experimental group than that in control group(P <0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups for femoral nerve block onset time. The success rates for the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block in control group and experimental group were 68.7% and 92.4% respectively, which was significantly different( P<0.05). In the control group and the experimental group, the success rately for obturator nerve block were 59.7% and 89.4% respectively, which was significantly different( <0.05). Conclusion Fascia iliaca compartment block using multiple injections works at higher efficiency than single injection.

Key words: ropivacaine, fascia iliaca compartment