Reaction of the human tibia to bone wax.

In 12 patients treated by elevation of the tibial tubercle, bone wax was used to prevent bleeding from the cut surface. Biopsy specimens of the tissues obtained at the time of removal of the screws, five to 13 months after the operation, showed a definite foreign body giant cell reaction. Giant cells endocytosed bone wax from the site. The giant cell response culminated in a marked fibrous reaction.