A comparative study of Tualang honey spray versus film spray (OPSITE®) as post-long bone fracture fixation wound dressing

• Main Authors: Shafei, Surianty, Sharifudin, Mohd Ariff, Ismail, Mohd Shukry, Ab Rahman, Shafuzain, Sadagatullah, Abdul Nawfar
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: RD701 Orthopedics; RD92 Wounds and injuries
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/32605/1/Kelantan_Research_Day_2013_-_Tualang_Honey_%28Poster%29.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/32605/14/KRD_2013_%28PP-15%29.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/32605/; http://jknkelantan.moh.gov..my/v3/
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Introduction: Honey-based dressings have a potential benefit in treating wounds in implant-related surgery due to its anti-microbial activities and healing potentials. The aim of the study is to compare Tualang honey spray with film spray (Opsite®) as an alternative dressing material following long bone fracture fixations. This is a preliminary study in Malaysia that involves human subjects. Methodology: This is a randomized, controlled trial involving patients with closed diaphyseal fracture of tibia or femur treated with open reduction and internal fixation (plates or intramedullary devices) at a single tertiary centre. Forty patients were randomly divided into three groups according to the dressing material used; film spray (Opsite®) dressing (n=16), Tualang honey spray (n=13), and control group (n=11). Each group used a same wound protocol except for the control group in which involve application of non-adhesive film (Mepore) only. Dressing materials were applied immediately after surgery and on day three post-surgery. Wound assessment was done on day 14 and day 42 post-surgery. Outcomes evaluated include wound complications, and the effects on skin commensals. On day 42, infection rate (wound dehiscence) and scar formation were also evaluated. Results: There was a case of superficial surgical site infection from the Opsite® spray group. Acinobacter species was isolated from one of the patients under the control group. There was no statistically significant association between dressing methods used and wound healing. All wounds healed without any infection at the end of the study. Tualang honey spray have a significant influence in reducing the risk of hypertrophic scar formation and has similar wound outcomes as compared to Opsite® spray. Conclusion: Tualang honey spray is comparable to the widely used Opsite* spray as a safe alternative for dressing material. Contradict to some previous studies; it promotes good wound healing with a low risk of hypertrophic scar formation.