Bone wax is typically used in which surgical procedure?

Bone wax is primarily used in craniotomy procedures. Its main function is to control bleeding from cut bone surfaces, especially in the skull. When the bone is exposed during a craniotomy, there can be significant bleeding from the diploë (the spongy bone inside the skull). Bone wax acts as a mechanical barrier to bleeding by plugging these bleeding points and providing hemostatic control.

In spinal fusion and laminectomy procedures, other techniques or materials are typically employed to handle bleeding and tissue management. Appendectomy does not generally involve bone exposure where bone wax would be necessary. Therefore, the most appropriate and commonly understood use of bone wax is in the context of craniotomy.