Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

Assessment of Bone Fracture Healing Using Micro-Computed Tomography
Published on: December 9, 2022
The effect of smoking on bone healing: A systematic review
R A Patel1, R F Wilson, P A Patel
1King's College London Dental Institute, Departmentof Periodontology, Guy's Hospital Campus, LondonSE1 9RT, UK.
Objectives:
To review the systemic impact of smoking on bone healing as evidenced within the orthopaedic literature.
Methods:
A protocol was established and studies were sourced from five electronic databases. Screening, data abstraction and quality assessment was conducted by two review authors. Prospective and retrospective clinical studies were included. The primary outcome measures were based on clinical and/or radiological indicators of bone healing. This review specifically focused on non-spinal orthopaedic studies.
Results:
Nine tibia studies and eight other orthopaedic studies were considered for systematic review. Of these 17 studies, 13 concluded that smoking negatively influenced bone healing.
Conclusions:
Smoking has a negative effect on bone healing, in terms of delayed union, nonunion and more complications.
More Related Videos
08:40Optimization of the Wound Scratch Assay to Detect Changes in Murine Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Migration After Damage by Soluble Cigarette Smoke Extract
Published on: December 3, 2015
07:33In Vivo Evaluation of Fracture Callus Development During Bone Healing in Mice Using an MRI-compatible Osteosynthesis Device for the Mouse Femur
Published on: November 14, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Bone Remodeling and Repair
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Bone Remodeling
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV