The Dangers of Peri-operatiwe Smoking in Orthopaedic Surgery

摘要

Tokicco smoking is a major worldwide hazard. It has been proved that its detrimental effects are due to nicotine and carbon monoxide, which impair the microcirculation and tissue oxygenation. Smoking adversely affects bone mineral density, increases the incidence of hip fractures and alters bone and wound healing processes. Tobacco has been proved to be a factor in causation of post-operative complications, cardiopulmonary failure, soft tissue and bone infection and delayed union or non-union. A systematic smoking-cessation programme should be observed from at least 6 weeks prior to surgery by all involved professions.