Research shows smoking harms your chances of recovering from fractures

March 13, 2014

(Medical News Today) – Bone healing cells in non-smokers are of a better quality, more active and quicker at dividing than those of smokers, according to new research. The study, carried out by United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) and the University of Lincoln, UK, involved gathering 50 fracture patients who volunteered to allow blood from the area of the fracture to be analysed. The blood was studied in the laboratory at the University of Lincoln to identify the differences in the quantity and quality of stem cells and molecules that are involved in bone regeneration following fracture.