To perform improvement in the field of orthopedic fixation devices.

An implant includes at least two degradation zones, each of which has a degradation rate, wherein the first degradation zone 34 degrades by surface erosion and the second degradation zone 32 degrades by bulk erosion. In certain embodiment, at least the two degradation zones include materials selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polyester polyalkylene oxide copolymers, polyorthoesters, polyhydroxybutyrates, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polyacidanhydrides, polyamines, polycarbonates, and copolymers and combinations thereof.