A study on the healing effect of honey on infected open fracture wounds

Objective: Failure of antibiotic therapy in the treatment of open wounds that result from acute complicated traumatic orthopedic injuries is a clinical problem. In this study, honey was used in the control of infections. Methodology: One hundred two patients who suffered traumatic open fractures with grade 11 or III on Castillo scale and despite treatment with classical antibiotics, the wounds did not heat were included. The wounds were initially washed with normal saline and a layer of honey, obtained commercially, was applied and covered with sterile gauze. The patients were instructed to follow the same dressing pressure on discharge. Follow up was on weekly basis, until complete wound heating. Results: Almost in all, except two, discharge from wounds stopped within two weeks, with a production of healthy granulation tissue in the wound beds. The duration for complete wound closure was between 2 to 5 months, which was related to the initial wound size. Two cases, both had large wounds, required re-deridement, suturing and grafting and took 11 and 13 months for complete wound closure. Conclusion: The findings suggest that honey is useful in the control and treatment of infected wounds that follow complicated traumatic orthopedic injuries.