The researchers from the University of Toronto and St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto found when treating patients with a procedure to repair severe injuries to the leg bone, those who smoke had more difficulty with healing. They found problems with both the quality of bone formed and an increased complication rate. In a similar study by Edward Hanley, Jr., M.D., of Carolinas Medical Center, it was reported that smoking can play a role in increasing hip fracture risk, lowering bone density and affecting the health of the lumbar disc. It can also increase a person's risk for osteoporosis. While surgeons do not know for definite what the role smoking play is, they suggest it may be related to the chemicals in the smoke.
Researchers say smoking is the leading avoidable cause of morbidity and mortality.
Researchers say these findings indicate the seriousness of smoking and that it causes problems all the way down to the systemic level. Reported by Ivanhoe Health Correspondent, Liz Rosenblum.