The use of bone wax versus dermal regeneration matrix for the reconstruction of scalp defects

BackgroundSecondary intention healing is an alternative to consider in large tumors or tumors located in areas of limited skin mobility, such as the scalp. To promote epithelialization, we can use Dermal Regeneration Matrix (DRM) or bone wax.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the efficacy of DRM and bone wax in secondary intention healing of cutaneous scalp tumors in elderly patients with comorbidities.Materials and methodsThe medical records of 18 patients with cutaneous scalp tumor healing by secondary intention from February 2022 to April 2023 were analyzed for demographic variables, tumor and surgical characteristics, time from withdrawal of material to complete epithelialization, and need for subsequent surgical intervention.ResultsBone wax was used in 6 patients and DRM in 12. The mean patient age was 84.3 years, and the mean tumor size was 2.7 cm. There were no significant differences in demographics or postoperative complications between the groups. The median time to complete epithelization was 84.5 (60.2-108.7) days in the bone wax group and 105.0 (91.0-126.0) days in the DRM group, with no significant differences (P = 0.15).ConclusionsBone wax is a simple and economical material that can be used for secondary intention healing of scalp tumors in elderly patients with high surgical risk.