Total joint arthroplasty can result in significant blood loss. Postoperative anemia has been associated with prolonged length of stay and increased hospital costs.1 Minimizing blood loss has led to multiple blood conservation strategies in orthopaedic procedures.~Bone wax is a well-known topical hemostatic agent comprised of a mixture of beeswax, paraffin, and isopropyl palmitate. This inexpensive agent works by sealing the bleeding site and tamponades bleeding from the cancellous bone. Bone wax can be precisely applied evenly and stops bone bleeding immediately upon application.2~The purpose of this study is to assess whether the application of bone wax to exposed cancellous bone, after the cemented implants are in place, will provide superior hemostasis in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients compared to patients who do not have the bone wax applied. Hemostasis will be assessed by calculating blood loss using the Hb-balance formula.
The purpose of this study is to assess whether the application of bone wax to exposed cancellous bone, after the cemented implants are in place, will provide superior hemostasis in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients compared to patients who do not have the bone wax applied. Hemostasis will be assessed by calculating blood loss using the Hb-balance formula.