Bone wax

Bone Wax

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A sterile stick of bone wax.

Composition	Beeswax with softening agents (e.g., paraffin, petroleum jelly)
Primary Use	Control bleeding from bone surfaces during surgery
Application	Smearing across bleeding bone edge
Mechanism	Tamponade effect causing immediate bone hemostasis

Bone wax is a specialized waxy substance designed to mechanically control bleeding from bone surfaces encountered during various surgical procedures. Derived predominantly from beeswax and integrated with softening agents, bone wax acts rapidly to achieve bone hemostasis through its tamponade effect.

Composition and Properties

Bone wax primarily consists of beeswax which provides the waxy consistency. To enhance its malleability, softening agents like paraffin or petroleum jelly are added. The amalgamation of these components gives bone wax its distinct texture suitable for surgical application.

Mechanism of Action

Upon application to a bleeding bone surface, bone wax blocks the minuscule holes on the bone, leveraging its tamponade effect. This immediate blockage facilitates rapid hemostasis, halting the bleeding from the bone's surface.

Applications in Surgery

Bone wax plays an indispensable role in various surgical interventions, especially in orthopedic, neurosurgical, and thoracic surgeries, where bones might be cut or drilled. Its primary function is to stanch bleeding and provide a clear field for surgeons, minimizing blood loss and potential complications.

Preparation and Use

Commercially, bone wax is available in sterile sticks. Prior to its application:

• The wax typically requires softening, which can be achieved by kneading with fingers.
• Once softened, surgeons smear the bone wax across the bleeding edge of the bone.
• The bone wax adheres to the surface, effectively blocking bleeding sites.

See Also

• Hemostasis
• Beeswax
• Orthopedic surgery
• Neurosurgery

References

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• Surgical Hemostasis: A Comprehensive Approach. James P. Richardson, David L. Stoker. CRC Press, 2020.
• Bone Wax: Properties, Uses, and Removal. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2018.