Maxillofacial Soft-tissue Healing Efficacy between Nano-chitosan and Collagen-Chitosan Membrane - A Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Routine wound management in maxillofacial trauma with soft-tissue injury needs to be addressed in a systematic way to prevent untoward complications. In this study, we examined the effects of a novel surgical dressing material on pain, wound healing and scar and its feasibility to common people. Our aim is to compare the efficacy and potency of the nano-chitosan membrane and collagen-chitosan membrane as surgical dressing materials for soft-tissue wounds in the maxillofacial region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty participants who sustained soft-tissue injury in the maxillofacial region were included in the study. Post-suturing, Group A participants were treated with nano-chitosan membrane impregnated with chlorhexidine, Group B participants were treated with collagen-chitosan membrane impregnated with chlorhexidine and Group C participants had received chlorhexidine powder as conventional wound care management and recalled and evaluated for wound healing, pain and scar at seventh day, one month and three months postoperatively.

RESULTS: The wound healing efficacy of both Group A and B participants was nearly comparable and Group A had better wound healing ( P = 0.043) when compared to conventional chlorhexidine dressing material. In relation to pain intensity, Group A was reported with a low intensity of pain and also with better results in scar assessment at the third-month follow-up.

DISCUSSION: This study had proven that even though the wound healing efficacy of both nano-chitosan and collagen-chitosan membranes is nearly comparable, nano-chitosan shows better results on the evaluation of parameters such as wound healing, pain and scar. Nano-chitosan membrane has better wound healing when compared to conventional chlorhexidine dressing material.