Abstract
IntroductionBone wax is sometimes used in a variety of surgical procedures as a haemostatic. Bone wax contains beeswax softened with isopropyl palmitate or paraffin. It is nonabsorbable with no biochemical action. It achieves haemostasis by occluding the blood channels mechanically. Once applied it essentially never goes away. Bone wax reactions have been reported in literature many times.Case presentationWe report a case in which bone wax was used to control bleeding at the iliac crest from which bone graft was harvested. The foreign body reaction to bone wax caused persistent discharge from iliac crest graft donor site.ConclusionBone wax is a foreign body and that there is always a possibility of foreign body granulomas following its use. When necessary, bone wax should be used just for the time needed to achieve hemostasis. If it is left in place, care should be taken to avoid bone wax accumulation in the bony craters formed during surgery. Applying bone wax as a smooth layer may lead to this lumpy formation in the bony craters and one should be careful about it.
Highlights
Bone wax is sometimes used in a variety of surgical procedures as a haemostatic
Bone wax should be used just for the time needed to achieve hemostasis. If it is left in place, care should be taken to avoid bone wax accumulation in the bony craters formed during surgery
Applying bone wax as a smooth layer may lead to this lumpy formation in the bony craters and one should be careful about it
Summary
Easy to use with immediate effect on bleeding, bone wax should be used with caution after weighing the potential complications against the benefits. Bone wax is a foreign body and that there is always a possibility of foreign body granulomas following its use. Bone wax should be used just for the time needed to achieve hemostasis. If it is left in place, care should be taken to avoid bone wax accumulation in the bony craters formed during surgery. Applying bone wax as a smooth layer by pasting with finger may lead to its lumpy formation in the bony craters and one should be careful about it. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal
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