Pin-Site Care With Medi-Honey™ Versus Povidone Iodine Gauze-Based Dressings at University College Hospital, Ibadan Nigeria: Any Difference in Anti-Bacterial Effects?

Background: This research aimed at comparing the development of infections as well as the number and types of bacteria at the pin-site (area around small metallic rods used to treat fractures), comparing weekly pin site care with povidone iodine-soaked gauze versus weekly pin site care with a special type of honey (Medi-Honey™) in the Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma. To compare the incidence of pin site infection for the two intervention arms – the Medi-Honey and povidone iodine groups. Bacterial load at the pin-site five-days post-operation, the post-operative day that pin site infection was noted and grade of the pin site infection that may be observed. Methodology: Fifty patients undergoing external fixation in the Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, University College Hospital Ibadan, were recruited via block randomization into two intervention arms for this randomized clinical trial. A data spread sheet was filled to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics of the patients, type of pin device, part of the body, reasons for surgery, type of pin-site dressing, site of pin-to-skin interphase swab, types of bacteria, number of bacteria, the day first sign of pin-site infection was noticed as well as the number of pin-sites infected and their site. The information collated from the patients was analysed using statistical software SPSS 21. Results: From this study Medi-Honey was found to have a reduced rate of pin site infection than povidone iodine, with a chi square value of 7.49 and a p value of 0.001, which is statistically significant. Conclusion: The results showed that external fixator pins dressed with Medi-Honey™ had a lower infection rate and risk for infection than those dressed with povidone iodine.