Objective: The objective of this study is to test the efficacy of the biodegradable mesh as an alternative fixation device to the titanium mesh for support of onlay particulate, bone and cancellous, marrow grafts. Two parameters were evaluated: (1) bone graft volume maintenance and (2) calcified tissue surface area and distribution.

Methods: 12 New Zealand white rabbits were used and divided equally into two groups. In both groups bone graft was harvested from the anterior ilium and placed as an onlay onto the lateral aspect of the mandible using two chambers for each animal. In the control group, the chambers were made of titanium and in the test group the chambers were made of poly l -lactide, polyglycolide mesh. The animals were sacrificed after 8 weeks, Micro-CT imaging and rhistomorphometric analysis was preformed.

Results: When comparing the data from both the titanium and the biodegradable groups, Micro CT analysis and histomorphometric showed no significant statistical difference respectively ( P -value = 0.546) and( P -value = 0.8272).

Conclusion: Biodegradable mesh made of poly l -lactic and polyglycolic acid copolymers appears to be an appropriate alternative to the Ti mesh for support of PBCM bone grafts.