Introduction

In orthopedic surgery, controlling bleeding and supporting bone healing are essential for a smooth recovery. Gelatin sponges, such as SURGISPON^® – an absorbable and biocompatible, provide a natural scaffold that promotes tissue repair, manages bleeding effectively and facilitates bone regeneration. This contributes to improved outcomes in complex bone reconstruction and other orthopedic procedures.

Innovative Approach with SURGISPON^®: Haemostasis, Drug Delivery and Bone Regeneration

SURGISPON^® is a fast and effective haemostat that also aids bone regeneration and acts as a drug carrier. When combined with regenerative agents like Simvastatin, Platelet-Rich Growth Factors (PRGF), Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposites and Chitin Whiskers (CW), it strengthens the scaffold, boosts bioactivity and enhances bone healing.^1-4

SURGISPON^®: Sterile Resorbable Haemostatic Sponge

SURGISPON^® Resorbable Haemostatic Sponge is gamma-sterilized, ensuring fast and effective bleeding control in Cranial, spinal reconstruction and orthopedic surgeries.

Fig 1: SURGISPON^® Sterile Resorbable Haemostatic Sponge 

Available Forms of SURGISPON^®:
Sterile Resorbable Haemostatic Sponge available in 30+ sizes

• Haemostatic Sponge – Regular, Strip, Film, and Special
• Haemostatic Powder – Bellow powder (1g and 3g) and Putty powder (1g)

Clinical Evidence                                                                            

1. An 11-year-old boy with a proximal tibial swelling, suspected as an aneurysmal bone cyst, underwent curettage, argon laser ablation, and bone grafting with SURGISPON^®. Histopathology confirmed Solid-ABC with malignant features. A modified subperiosteal fibular grafting technique was used, offering minimal morbidity in the pediatric age group.⁷

Fig 2:  Surgical illustration

2. In this retrospective review of 21 patients with critical-size bone defects found that circumferential grafting with Gelfoam^® core reduced graft needs by replacing 21.4% of defect volume while preserving shape. Defects (mean 8.9 cm, 65.2 cm³) involved tibia, femur and humerus. At 9.1 months, 86% achieved radiographic healing, indicating favorable outcomes.⁵

Fig 3: Circumferential bone grafting using absorbable gelatin sponge core to fill the intramedullary space (black arrow).⁵

Conclusion
SURGISPON^® not only provides rapid, safe haemostasis but also supports bone regeneration. By reducing graft needs, maintaining structure, and delivering therapeutic agents, they offer a versatile, cost-effective solution that’s enhances recovery and outcomes in orthopedic surgery.

References

1. Rohanizadeh R, Swain MV, Mason RS. Gelatin sponges (Gelfoam^®) as a scaffold for osteoblasts. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine. 2008 Mar;19(3):1173-82.
2. Rodriguez IA, Sell SA, McCool JM, Saxena G, Spence AJ, Bowlin GL. A preliminary evaluation of lyophilized gelatin sponges, enhanced with platelet-rich plasma, hydroxyapatite and chitin whiskers for bone regeneration. Cells. 2013 Apr 26;2(2):244-65.
3. Gupta S, Verma P, Tikku AP, Chandra A, Yadav RK, Bharti R, Bains R. “Effect of local application of simvastatin in bone regeneration of peri-apical defects-a clinico-radiographic study. Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research. 2020 Oct 1;10(4):583-91.
4. Elmeshreghi TN, El-Seddawy FD, Gomaa M, Ezzeldein SA, Abd El Raouf M. Efficacy of a gelatin-based hemostatic sponge and hydroxyapatite–chitosan nanocomposites (nHAp/CS) on regeneration of radial bone defects in rabbits. Open Veterinary Journal. 2025 Jan 31;15(1):198.
5. Cho JW, Kim J, Cho WT, Kim JK, Song JH, Kim HJ, Masquelet AC, Oh JK. Circumferential bone grafting around an absorbable gelatin sponge core reduced the amount of grafted bone in the induced membrane technique for critical-size defects of long bones. Injury. 2017 Oct 1;48(10):2292-305.
6. Samieirad S, Eshghpour M, Tohidi E, Jouya A, Soufizadeh R, Kermani H. Using absorbable gelatin sponge to facilitate sinus membrane elevation during open sinus lift: technical notes and case series. J Dent Mater Tech. 2019 Jan 1;8(1):1-7.
7. Panicker JI, Babu BC, Mohan V, Dhruvan SP, Jojo A, Pillai DS, Chandrababu KK. Solid Aneurismal Bone Cyst of Proximal Tibia with Resemblance Telangiectatic Osteosarcoma-A Case Report. Kerala Journal of Orthopaedics. 2021 Jun 1;34(1):35-40.