Complications secondary to the use of standard bone wax in seven patients
Anfinsen, O.G.; Sudmann, B.; Rait, M.; Bang, G.; Sudmann, E.
Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery Official Publication of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 32(5): 505-508
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 1067-2516 PMID: 8252009 Document Number: 415223
Ordinary bone wax, manufactured from beeswax, was used to stop bleeding from cancellous bone in elective surgery among seven women. Five of them had a resection of a calcaneal exostosis and bursa at the insertion of the calcaneous tendon, one underwent a resection of a medial exostosis of the first metatarsal head, and one had an acromial resection. Postoperatively, all patients had disabling local pain and tenderness. Three of them developed firm visible swellings where bone wax had been used, which was easily palpable under the intact skin. At reoperation, 4 to 52 months later, masses of brown, soft granulation tissue were excised in all patients. Five of seven were relieved from pain. Microscopically, a bone wax granuloma with marked foreign body reaction was seen in all patients.