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The aim of the study was to perform treatment of juniper wood to obtain wood material with a density and mechanical properties comparable to bone, thus producing a potential material for use in osteosynthesis bone implants. In the first step, partial delignification of wood sample was obtained by Kraft cooking. The second step was extraction with ethanol, ethanol–water mixture, saline, and water to prevent the release of soluble compounds and increase biocompatibility. In the last step, the thermal densification at 100 °C for 24 h was implemented. The results obtained in the dry state are equivalent to the properties of bone. The swelling of chemically pre-treated densified wood was reduced compared to chemically untreated densified wood. Samples showed no cytotoxicity by in vitro cell assays. The results of the study showed that it is possible to obtain noncytotoxic wood samples with mechanical properties equivalent to bones by partial delignification, extraction, and densification. However, further research is needed to ensure the material's shape stability, water resistance, and reduced swelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone fractures and bone defects affect millions of people every year. Metal implants for bone fracture fixation and autologous bone for defect reconstruction are used extensively in treatment of these pathologies. Simultaneously, alternative, sustainable, and biocompatible materials are being researched to improve existing practice. Wood as a biomaterial for bone repair has not been considered until the last 50 years. Even nowadays there is not much research on solid wood as a biomaterial in bone implants. A few species of wood have been investigated. Different techniques of wood preparation have been proposed. Simple pre-treatments such as boiling in water or preheating of ash, birch and juniper woods have been used initially. Later researchers have tried using carbonized wood and wood derived cellulose scaffold. Manufacturing implants from carbonized wood and cellulose requires more extensive wood processing—heat above 800 °C and chemicals to extract cellulose. Carbonized wood and cellulose scaffolds can be combined with other materials, such as silicon carbide, hydroxyapatite, and bioactive glass to improve biocompatibility and mechanical durability. Throughout the publications wood implants have provided good biocompatibility and osteoconductivity thanks to wood's porous structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multi-fragmental intra-articular middle phalanx base fractures mostly occur in young adults during sports or work-related activities. If left untreated properly proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) instability and pain persists, thus impairing the hand's function and the patient's quality of life. Joint surface reconstruction with hamate osteochondral graft can be used for multi-fragmental middle phalanx base reconstruction. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. The technique was used for 17 patients. Follow-up was performed at least 6 months after the surgery. Patients were asked to fulfil multiple surveys: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) and Modern Activity Subjective Survey 2007 (MASS07). Objective measurements included strength of the power and pinch grip, range of motions (ROM) in both proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal (DIPJ) joints. All measurements were taken on both hands, on operated and contralateral fingers. Results: Out of 17 patients 5 were females and 12 males, mean age 40 (ranged 22-65 years) Eleven patients agreed to participate in the follow-up. All patients were right-handed, 8 patients had injured their right hand. The injuries' aetiologies were sports (n = 3), fighting (n = 2) and work-related (n = 4). Six patients were treated with immobilisation before the surgery, which was performed on average 45 days after the injury (ranged 1-184 days). Two patients developed arthrosis post-operatively and received synthetic joints. Mean DASH score was 6.9, PRWE score was 5.2 and mean MASS07 score was 6.8. Patients achieved on average 90% of power grip and 100% of pinch grip with their injured hand compared to their healthy hand. Average ROM in PIPJ was 82.2° and in DIPJ 68.9°. No patients experienced joint instability or chronic pain. Conclusions: Hemi-hamate arthroplasty provides satisfactory results in patients with both acute and chronic dislocated intra-articular middle phalanx base fractures.