bone wax

Johnson's Bone Wax, primarily manufactured by Ethicon (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), is a sterile, non-absorbable hemostatic agent used to control bleeding from bone surfaces. It is composed of a mixture of beeswax (approximately 70%), paraffin (approximately 15%), and isopropyl palmitate (approximately 15%). The wax achieves hemostasis through a mechanical mechanism known as tamponade, where it is applied directly to the bleeding bone surface to physically plug the vascular channels (such as Haversian canals) and stop hemorrhage. It is widely used in surgical specialties including orthopedics, neurosurgery, and cardiothoracic surgery. Because it is non-absorbable, the wax remains at the site of application permanently, which can occasionally interfere with bone healing (osteogenesis) or serve as a potential nidus for infection.

Brand names

Johnson's Bone WaxEthicon Bone Wax

Other names

beeswax + paraffin + isopropyl palmitate