TABLE 1.

Definitions of degradation-related terms.

Property	Definition	References
Degradation	“Chain scission process during which polymer chains are cleaved to form oligomers and finally to form monomers”	Göpferich, (1996)
Erosion	“Loss of material owing to monomers and oligomers leaving the polymer”	Göpferich, (1996)
Biodegradable	“Solid polymeric devices which break down to macromolecule degradation with dispersion in an animal body but no proof for elimination from the body”	Vert et al. (1992)
Bioresorbable	“Solid materials which can degrade and further resorb in vivo, i.e. which are eliminated through natural pathways either because of simple filtration of degradation by-products or after their metabolization”	Vert et al. (1992)