12 papers provide an overview of the use of synthetics bioabsorbable polymers and address the latest issues surrounding their growing use including: new applications, test and characterization techniques for raw materials and devices, tissue engineering, efficacy, and long-term effects. A variety of papers examine: basic polymer properties and characterization, tissue engineering strategies such as implantation of a porous biodegradable scaffold at the defect site in the tissue, and use of bioabsorbable polymers as replacements for metallic fracture fixation devices.