First – Line Papineau Technique and Honey for Late Leg Open Fractures in Mbujimayi

Purpose: To provide evidence of the benefit of treating open fractures of moderate and complex severity using the protocol combining the Papineau technique as first-line treatment with honey, in terms of post-operative results. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out in three hospitals in Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of Congo; from January 1, 2017 to March 30, 2025. It involved 91 patients admitted to the trauma department for open fractures of the leg bones and divided into three groups according to the therapeutic protocols used. Results: The mean wound healing time was 46.8 ± 11.1 days for the group of patients treated with the experimental protocol combining the Papineau technique as first intention with honey, compared to the other methods (Papineau technique as first intention without honey and classical Papineau technique) whose respective wound healing times were 62.5 ± 13.1 days and 72.2 ± 9.5 days. This experimental protocol proved effective in terms of reducing the average partial weight-bearing times (9.6 ± 1.9 weeks), and obtaining sufficient bone consolidation (7.7 ± 1.0 months) as well as the average length of hospital stay of patients (5.5 ± 1.7 months). Results which are much better, compared to the other therapeutic methods under study. Unique Contribution to Theory. Practice and Policy: The protocol combining the Papineau technique as a first-line treatment with honey has better post-operative results and significantly reduces the duration of patient inactivity after fracture of the leg bones, compared to other methods studied.