The kinetics and mechanisms of in vitro degradation of tyrosine-derived polycarbonates, a new class of polymeric biomaterials, were studied extensively at 37 degrees C. These polymers carry an alkyl ester pendent chain that allows the fine-tuning of the polymer's material properties, its biological interactions with cells and tissue, and its degradation behavior. The polymer carrying an ethyl ester pendent chain, poly(DTE carbonate), has been established as a promising orthopedic implant material, exhibiting bone apposition when in contact with hard tissue. Tyrosine-derived polycarbonates are relatively stable and degrade only very slowly in vitro. Therefore, accelerated studies were conducted at 50 and 65 degrees C to observe the behavior of polymers during the later stages of degradation. Varying the pendent chain length affected the rate of water uptake, initial degradation rate, and physical stability of the polymeric devices. During the 3-yr study, the polymer degraded by random chain cleavage of the carbonate bonds, accompanied by a relatively small amount of pendent chain de-esterification. No mass loss was observed during this period at 37 degrees C, but mass loss was readily evident during the accelerated studies at 50 and 65 degrees C. Thus, it is reasonable to assume that mass loss will occur also at 37 degrees C, albeit only after extensive backbone carbonate cleavage and pendent chain ester hydrolysis. The dimension and surface area of the devices influenced the initial degradation rate, but did not significantly affect the overall rate of degradation. No evidence of "acid dumping" or the release of acidic residues found during the degradation of poly(D,L-lactic acid) were observed for this family of tyrosine-derived polycarbonates.