What effect does smoking have on bone repair?

• A. It enhances normal bone healing
• B. It has no effect on bone repair
• C. It can suppress normal bone healing
• D. It accelerates bone healing

Answer: (C)

Smoking has a negative impact on bone repair due to its harmful effects on cellular functions and the overall vascular system. Nicotine and other substances found in tobacco smoke can interfere with blood flow, which is crucial for delivering nutrients and oxygen that are essential for the healing process. Additionally, smoking can inhibit the activity of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation, while promoting the proliferation of osteoclasts, which are involved in bone resorption. This imbalance can lead to a decrease in new bone formation and an overall suppression of normal healing processes.

Furthermore, the inflammatory response and the activity of growth factors can be adversely affected by smoking, prolonging the healing time and increasing the risk of complications such as nonunion or delayed healing. Therefore, it's important to recognize that smoking can significantly hinder the body's ability to repair bone after injury or surgery, making it more challenging for individuals who smoke to achieve optimal recovery outcomes.