Maxillofacial Soft‑tissue Healing Efficacy between Nano‑chitosan and Collagen–Chitosan Membrane – A Comparative Study

Abstract

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.