Experience of bone bridge resection and bone wax packing for partial growth arrest of distal tibia.

Abstract

Two patients with a partial growth arrest of the distal tibia were treated by bone bridge resection and bone wax packing technique. Their average age at the time of surgery was 7 years, both had been injured in an accident, and each had been treated with percutaneous pinning and a plaster cast. Unfortunately, partial growth arrest of the distal tibia occurred, and the ankle varus deformity gradually progressed. About 1 year after initial treatment, bone bridge resection and bone wax packing were performed. The average follow-up period was 80 months. There was no reformation of the bone bridge or recurrence of deformity, and gradual improvements in clinical and radiographic findings were observed. Although fat is typically used as an interpositional material after bone bridge resection, there are problems with its use, including a lack of hemostasis and the absence of intrinsic stability. Bone wax is readily available and commonly used in medical applications to control bleeding. It is considered a useful plug, it is inexpensive, and it is not associated with complications.