Pyrocarbon implants for the hand and wrist.

Thanks to its remarkable mechanical properties and excellent biocompatibility, pyrocarbon is an ideal material for articular use. Various pyrocarbon implants for the hand and wrist have been developed over the past 25 years, with about 15 currently available for hemi-, total and interposition arthroplasty. This article describes the production methods and mechanical properties of pyrocarbon. The author summarizes the various implants available for each type of joint, their reported results in the literature, as well as his team's experience.