AsianScientist (Jul. 11, 2011) – Men who have been smoking for decades are less likely to require hip and knee replacements in their old age, according to new research by the University of Adelaide.
The unexpected findings, published last week in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism, indicate that while smoking has been blamed for causing significant morbidity and mortality, long-term smokers are less vulnerable to osteoarthritis.
Researchers Professor Philip Ryan and graduate student George Mnatzaganian from the University’s Discipline of Public Health made the discovery after reviewing the clinical records of 11,000 men between 65-83 years of age in Perth, Western Australia.
Men who had smoked for more than 48 years were up to 51 percent less likely to have undergone total joint replacements of their knees and hips than men who had never smoked, they found.
The researchers also confirmed that overweight yet very active men – especially those in the 70-74 age groups – were more likely to require hip and knee replacements.
While previous studies have linked smoking to a reduced risk of osteoarthritis, this study is the first to report a strong, inverse relationship between the duration of smoking and risk of total joint replacement.
“We are definitely not endorsing smoking as a safe health practice as it is linked to a whole range of serious diseases, including stroke, heart disease and cancer, which cause premature death,” said Ryan.
“However, this study shows that further research is needed to understand why smoking appears to offer protection against osteoarthritis. Other studies have drawn links between smoking and increases in cartilage volume, and more work needs to be done in this area,” he said.
Total hip and knee replacements are among the most common elective surgeries performed in developed countries. Severe osteoarthritis, which is caused by the wearing away of the cartilage between joints, is the most frequent indication for these surgeries. It is common in the elderly, females, and the obese. Left untreated, osteoarthritis can cause severe pain and stiffness in the joints, affecting one’s mobility and independence.
2010 saw more than 37,443 people undergo total knee replacements in Australia and over 26,000 people go through total hip replacement surgery. Demand for both procedures – particularly knee replacements – is on the rise.
“Despite these findings, the fact remains that any possible beneficial effect of smoking on osteoarthritis is far outweighed by other health risks,” he cautioned.
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Source: The University of Adelaide.
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