Skull osteohypertrophy as a complication of bone wax

J Clin Neurosci. 2009 Dec;16(12):1658-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2009.03.014. Epub 2009 Sep 17.

Abstract

A 51-year-old woman with bone wax-induced osteohypertrophy presented with exophthalmos 9 years after a craniotomy for a right internal carotid bifurcation aneurysm. CT scans revealed thickening of the frontotemporal bone flap and surrounding bone, thickening of the upper and lateral orbital walls, and a limited intraorbital cavity. Intraoperative findings revealed residual bone wax under the bone flap, grayish-white discoloration of the flap, and degeneration of the temporal muscle. Pathological examination revealed granulation and osteogenesis due to a foreign body. To our knowledge, this is the first report of bone wax-induced hyperostosis leading to exophthalmos.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Exophthalmos / etiology*
  • Exophthalmos / pathology
  • Exophthalmos / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Orbit / pathology*
  • Orbit / surgery
  • Palmitates / adverse effects*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Waxes / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Palmitates
  • Waxes
  • bone wax