[Gabz]

Zuscik's work hinges on the theory that nicotine prevents stem cells from maturing into replacement bone.

If that is the hinge, smoking should not have been the only source of nicotine to be looked upon. If smoking was the only source of nicotine tracked, the research is flawed. This is an agenda driven study, not one based on anything other than finding another reason to pick on smokers.

[Moonman62]

Obviously, the military is in on the conspiracy.

[Smokin' Joe]

Precisely. I'd bet there are a host of things which interfere, and I'd bet that a little pain is a good thing. My theory, fwiw, is that the body responds to it to heal the injury.

If too many painkillers are used, the body treats the injury as less of a priority. I seldom need or use painkillers, and I heal pretty quickly, too.