Evaluating the Effectiveness of Honey and Standard Dressings on Wound Healing in Open Tibia Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract:
Wound healing in open fractures presents significant challenges,
especially in low-resource settings, due to high rates of complications. Honey,
known for its antimicrobial and healing properties, offers a potential alternative.
This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of honey dressings
compared to standard dressings in wound healing for open tibia fractures. This open-label
randomized comparative trial was conducted at the University Teaching Hospital
of Kigali, Rwanda, involving 100 adult patients with Gustilo IIIA open tibia
fractures of whom 98 patients were analysed. Participants were randomly
assigned to either the intervention group receiving honey dressings or the
control group receiving standard saline dressings. Primary outcomes included
wound healing rate at 30 days, with secondary outcomes assessing wound size,
pain, odour, exudate, and cleanliness. Data analysis was performed using
logistic regression, chi-square tests, and Bayesian methods. The honey dressing
group demonstrated significantly improved outcomes, including faster wound
healing, reduced pain, decreased wound odour, and a greater reduction in wound
surface area by day 30 compared to the control group. Logistic regression revealed
a 10.87-fold increased likelihood of complete healing within 30 days for the
honey group (p< 0.05). The type of dressing used significantly influenced
wound healing, outperforming other factors like bone coverage, previous limb
injury, and residence. Honey dressings significantly enhance wound healing in
open tibia fractures compared to standard dressings, suggesting their potential
as an effective adjunct in fracture management, particularly in
resource-limited settings. Further research is recommended to refine optimal
honey application methods and concentrations.
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