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Published on: December 9, 2022
CE: The Effects of Smoking on Bone Health and Healing
1Stephanie Niu is an RN at the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City. Fidelindo Lim is a clinical associate professor at the New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York City. Contact author: Stephanie Niu, swn217@nyu.edu. The authors and planners have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise. A podcast with the authors is available at www.ajnonline.com.
Abstract:
The number of orthopedic surgeries performed in the United States has increased substantially over the past several years. The most recent data available from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality indicate that five of the 10 operative procedures most commonly performed during inpatient stays involve the musculoskeletal system. Cigarette smoking is one of the most prevalent and preventable risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders and orthopedic surgery complications. This article discusses the effects of smoking on bone health, the importance of smoking cessation among patients scheduled for or recovering from orthopedic surgery, and the vital role nurses play in supporting patient efforts to lead a tobacco-free life.
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