12 papers provide an overview of the use of syntheticsbioabsorbable polymers and address the latest issues surroundingtheir growing use including: new applications, test andcharacterization techniques for raw materials and devices, tissueengineering, efficacy, and long-term effects.

A variety of papers examine: basic polymer properties andcharacterization, tissue engineering strategies such asimplantation of a porous biodegradable scaffold at the defect sitein the tissue, and use of bioabsorbable polymers as replacementsfor metallic fracture fixation devices.