The invention provides a biocompatible material derived from keratin that
is useful for many aspects of medical treatment of bone. The keratin
material is preferably S-sulfonated and enriched in intermediate filament
proteins of high molecular weight. The keratin material may be porous for
use as a bone replacement and augmentation product but also provided is
the use of dense keratin materials in bone treatment for use as an
internal fixation appliance in the treatment of bone fractures and bone
regeneration, and a method for preparing the keratin material for use in
the preservation, restoration and development of form and function of
bone.