BMAC Therapy (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate)
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) Therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses stem cells and healing factors from a patient’s own bone marrow to repair damaged tissues, reduce pain, and improve joint function. It is commonly used for treating osteoarthritis, joint injuries, and ligament damage as a non-surgical alternative to traditional treatments.
How Does BMAC Therapy Work?
1️⃣ Bone Marrow Extraction – A small amount of bone marrow is collected from the hip bone (iliac crest).
2️⃣ Processing & Concentration – The bone marrow is spun in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate stem cells, growth factors, and platelets.
3️⃣ Injection into the Affected Area – The concentrated BMAC is injected into the knee, hip, or injured joint to stimulate cartilage repair and reduce inflammation.
Conditions Treated by BMAC Therapy
Osteoarthritis (OA) & Joint Degeneration
✅ Knee Osteoarthritis – BMAC helps regenerate cartilage and reduce pain in mild to moderate OA. ✅ Hip Osteoarthritis – Improves joint mobility and delays hip replacement. ✅ Shoulder Osteoarthritis – Reduces stiffness and enhances joint function. ✅ Ankle & Wrist Osteoarthritis – Promotes healing and improves movement.
Ligament & Tendon Injuries
✅ ACL, MCL, PCL Tears – Common knee ligament injuries in athletes. ✅ Rotator Cuff Tears – Shoulder pain and limited range of motion. ✅ Achilles Tendonitis – Heel pain and inflammation in runners. ✅ Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow – Chronic elbow pain due to repetitive strain
Cartilage & Meniscus Damage
✅ Meniscus Tears – BMAC can aid in the repair of damaged knee cartilage. ✅ Chondromalacia Patella (Runner’s Knee) – Soothes pain under the kneecap. ✅ Labral Tears (Hip & Shoulder) – Helps regenerate torn cartilage.
Bone Injuries & Fractures
✅ Non-Union & Delayed Healing Fractures – Stimulates bone regeneration. ✅ Stress Fractures – Common in athletes and runners.
Chronic Joint Pain & Inflammation
✅ Bursitis – Reduces inflammation in the knee, hip, and shoulder. ✅ Synovitis – Decreases joint swelling caused by inflammation. ✅ Arthritis-related Pain – Eases discomfort in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Post-Surgical Healing & Recovery
✅ Enhances healing after orthopedic surgeries like knee arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, or cartilage repair procedures.
BMAC Therapy (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate)
Step 1: Patient Evaluation
🔹 A doctor assesses the patient’s medical history, joint condition, and severity of pain.
🔹 Imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound may be performed to check cartilage damage or inflammation.
Step 2: Bone Marrow Extraction
🔹 The patient lies down, and the hip bone (iliac crest) is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia.
🔹 Using a special needle, the doctor extracts bone marrow from the pelvic bone.
🔹 The procedure takes 15-20 minutes and causes minimal discomfort.
Step 3: Processing & Concentration
🔹 The extracted bone marrow is placed in a centrifuge machine that spins at high speed.
🔹 This process separates and concentrates stem cells, growth factors, and platelets from the bone marrow.
🔹 The final Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) is prepared for injection.
Step 4: Injection into the Affected Area
🔹 The doctor uses ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance to precisely inject the BMAC into the knee joint or injured area.
🔹 The stem cells and healing factors stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and promote cartilage regeneration.
🔹 The entire procedure takes about 1-2 hours and is performed as an outpatient treatment (no hospital stay required).
Step 5: Post-Treatment Recovery & Care
🔹 The patient may experience mild swelling or discomfort at the injection site for a few days.
🔹 Rest and limited weight-bearing activities are recommended for 24-48 hours.
🔹 A physiotherapy plan may be suggested to enhance recovery and strengthen the joint.
🔹 Most patients notice pain relief and improved mobility within a few weeks.
🔹 Full benefits of BMAC therapy may take 2-6 months as tissue regeneration occurs.