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Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide, often leading to diminished quality of life and long-term dependence on medication. Traditionally, pain management has relied on pharmaceutical treatments, including opioids, antiinflammatory drugs, and local anesthetics. However, these medications come with a range of side effects and the risk of dependency or addiction, particularly with opioids. This has led to growing interest in alternative approaches to pain management, one of the most promising being biodegradable implants. These implants offer a new way to manage chronic pain by providing targeted, controlled release of analgesic medications that gradually dissolve in the body, reducing the need for long-term drug use and minimizing the risks associated with chronic medication use.

Biodegradable implants are medical devices designed to deliver medication directly to the site of pain or injury over an extended period. Made from biocompatible materials, these implants are designed to dissolve naturally within the body, eliminating the need for surgical removal. The key advantage of these implants lies in their ability to provide a sustained release of drugs, ensuring consistent pain relief while avoiding the peaks and troughs associated with oral medications. In the case of chronic pain, particularly in conditions like osteoarthritis, neuropathic pain, or post-surgical pain, the implants can release pain-relieving agents such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, local anesthetics, or opioid alternatives, directly at the source of the pain. Over time, the implant gradually breaks down and is absorbed by the body, thus eliminating the need for repeat injections or oral medications, which are often associated with side effects and complications. The functioning of biodegradable implants relies on a carefully controlled drugrelease system. Once the implant is placed at the site of pain, it begins to release medication in a slow, regulated manner. The release rate can be adjusted depending on the formulation of the implant and the medication used, ensuring that pain relief is continuous without the need for additional doses. One of the key benefits of biodegradable implants is that they are tailored to the specific needs of the patient. The duration of pain relief can be controlled by altering the material properties of the implant, such as its size, shape, and the composition of the drug used. For example, an implant designed to release medication for several months can be used in patients with long-term conditions, whereas shorter-duration implants may be suited for post-operative pain management. Over time, the materials used in these implants break down and are naturally absorbed by the body, typically without causing any adverse reactions. This eliminates the need for additional surgeries to remove the implant, a significant benefit compared to traditional drugdelivery devices that must be removed once their function has been completed. One of the most significant benefits of biodegradable implants is their ability to reduce reliance on oral pain medications, particularly opioids. Opioid use for chronic pain management is a major concern due to the risk of addiction and overdose. By using an implant that delivers medication directly to the pain site, patients can avoid the need for oral opioids or other medications, reducing the risk of misuse and addiction [1-4].

Biodegradable implants represent a promising new frontier in chronic pain management. Offering controlled, localized drug delivery, they provide an effective solution to reduce dependency on long-term medications, particularly opioids, and minimize side effects. As the technology continues to develop, biodegradable implants may play a significant role in improving the quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic pain, providing a safer and more sustainable option for pain management.

None.

The author declares there is no conflict of interest in publishing this article.

1. Kruk ME, Myers M, Varpilah ST, Dahn BT (2015) . Lancet. 385(9980):1910-1912.

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2. Kumar J, Kumar P (2021) . Lancet Glob Health. 9(6):e722-e723.

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3. Chmielewska B, Barratt I, Townsend R (2021) . Lancet Glob Health. 9:e759-e772.

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4. Barasa E, Kazungu J, Orangi S, Kabia E (2021) . BMC Health Serv Res. 21(1):740.

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