Cigarette smoking and its orthopedic consequences
Kwiatkowski, T.C.; Hanley, E.N.; Ramp, W.K.
American Journal of Orthopedics 25(9): 590-597
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 1078-4519 PMID: 8886197 Document Number: 462374
Cigarette smoking and its ramifications are coming under increasing scrutiny in the field of orthopedic surgery. Smoking has been implicated in impeding bone metabolism and fracture repair, and increasing the rate of postoperative infection and the incidence of nonunion. This article reviews the current body of knowledge on these topics, as well as the potential adverse effects of smoking on wound healing and microsurgical procedures. An in-depth discussion on the pathophysiologic mechanisms of nicotine is also included.