A regular smoker will require 30 weeks to heal a natural fracture, which is 6 weeks longer than a non – smoker. For example, the Shinbone fracture is a major fracture and a regular smoker will take around 32 weeks for that while a non- smoker can heal it in 25 weeks. So this illustrates that there is a significant difference in the healing time.
The first step toward bone healing the mesenchymal cells transforming into cartilage forming

Cells (osteoblasts). They build a scaffolding over the fracture, through which the

osteocytes flow and gradually harden, thus forming a new bone. This entire process takes about

three months. A healing fracture is considered soft until the bone is completely formed. But for

smokers, the bone may remain …show more content…
Smoking reduces the mechanical strength of the spinal discs thereby making

it vulnerable to micro cracks and dislocations.

Another reason is frequent smoking causes intense cough which - 1. Puts pressure on the

regions surrounding the lower abdomen, 2. Causes vibrations to flow down the spine beginning

at the ribs. And any weak material will become weaker if exposed to prolong vibrations. Usually

most doctors do not agree to let the smokers undergo a surgery unless they stop smoking. For

bone regeneration and repair, Calcium Phosphate Cement is used and the most important

condition to achieve successful recovery is, the rate of growth of new bone and the rate of

degradation of the CPC must match. Else the patient may end up with over growth, weak

bones, and position mismatch. For smokers, the rate of degradation does not match the rate of

new bone formation. Therefore, the healing takes a lot of time and the strength of the newly

formed bone is less. The Second important factor is the bone implants- Screws, plates. For

screws to serve their purpose in the recovery of osteoporotic bones, the bone must have a

good supply of all nutrients, and minerals, which smokers lack. Also, the shock