During orthopedic surgery, what material is most commonly used to fill the gaps left by the bone during repair?

Bone wax is commonly used in orthopedic surgery to fill gaps left by bone during repair. It is a sterile, waxy substance that helps to control bleeding by providing a physical barrier that assists in sealing off small blood vessels and preventing hematomas. The use of bone wax is particularly valuable in situations where there is a need to manage local bleeding effectively and maintain stability in the surgical area.

While other materials, such as bone cement, are also used in orthopedic procedures, they serve a different purpose, generally related to stabilizing fractures or fixing prosthetic components rather than filling bone gaps. Surgical mesh is primarily utilized for soft tissue repair and not for filling bone gaps. Hemostatic powders serve to promote clotting and control bleeding but are not designed to provide structural support or fill voids in bone. Thus, bone wax is specifically chosen for its ability to function as a filler while providing hemostatic properties during bone repair.