Peripheral nerve block is an ideal choice for lower limb surgery because of the peripheral
site of the surgical procedure and the ability to block pain pathways at multiple levels. On
the contrary to other anesthetic techniques, as spinal or general anesthesia, properly
performed peripheral nerve blocks bypass adverse events as hemodynamic instability and
respiratory complications, properly treat post-operative pain leading to early hospital
discharge. Additional advantages of peripheral nerve blocks are that they can be used in
patients receiving anti-coagulants or lumbosacral disease in addition to avoidance of airway
instrumentation.

Recently, there has been a significant interest in regional anesthesia and peripheral nerve
blockade. This is facilitated by a significant advance of the research in this field and
availability of better equipment facilitating regional anesthesia.The aim of this study was
to assess the efficacy and safety of SOFT block (sciatic-obturator-femoral nerve block
technique) in comparison with spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing surgery for fixation
of open tibial fractures using Ilizarov external fixator.