Cigarette smoking affects bone healing
New Delhi, June 29 (ANI): Smoking is linked to delayed bone healing, finds a study. In adults, tibia fractures are usually fixed through the surgical implantation of a slender metal rod called an intra medullary nail in the hollow space within the bone. However, in 10 per cent to 15 per cent of cases the bone fails to heal in a timely manner, resulting in a non-union of bones. Women aged 30-49, are at increased risk of non-union. Smoking does not increase the risk of non-union but it significantly extends the median time to union.