What hemostatic agent should be available on the sterile field during orthopedic procedures to control bleeding from bony prominences?

Bone wax is specifically designed for use in orthopedic procedures to control bleeding from bone surfaces, particularly bony prominences. It is composed of a mix of natural waxes that serve as a mechanical barrier to help prevent blood from leaking out of the bone after it has been cut or manipulated during surgery. When applied directly to the surface of the bone, it can effectively occlude the bleeding vessels, thereby reducing intraoperative blood loss.

The availability of bone wax on the sterile field is crucial during orthopedic surgeries because these procedures often involve significant manipulation of bone structures, which can be prone to bleeding. Using bone wax allows surgeons to effectively manage hemostasis in these specific areas, thus contributing to a smoother surgical process and potentially improving patient outcomes.

While other hemostatic agents may also play a role in controlling bleeding in various surgical contexts, they are not specifically indicated for use on bony surfaces in the same manner as bone wax. For instance, gelatin sponges and oxidized cellulose are typically used for soft tissue bleeding, and tranexamic acid is a systemic agent that aids in reducing bleeding but is not directly applied to bone surfaces.