Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) Treatment
What is Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) Treatment?
BMAC is a concentrate of regenerative stem cells obtained from your own bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue that is found in the center of bones, including your hip or pelvic bone. Bone marrow is the section of the body where blood is generated. The stem cells from BMAC are specialized cells that are known to replicate themselves into various types of tissues and help to speed up the healing process by boosting the body’s natural healing abilities and promote tissue growth.
Indications for Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) Treatment
Some of the indications for BMAC include:
- Osteoarthritis of the joints (Shoulder, Knee, Hip)
- Improve tendon healing (rotator cuff tears, shoulder labral tears, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, UCL elbow injuries, meniscus tears)
- Treat cartilage injuries
Preparation for Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) Treatment
In general, preparation for BMAC treatment includes the following:
- Here, at Toole Sports Medicine, bone marrow aspirate concentration is performed in the surgery suites in Delray Beach.
- Bone marrow aspirate concentration (BMAC), like most orthobiolics, isn't covered by insurance.
- At Toole Sports Medicine, we commonly perform this procedure in the surgery suites as an adjunct to shoulder arthroscopy or knee arthroscopy. However, this is commonly performed alone in the surgery suites as a treatment for the conditions listed above.
Procedure for Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) Treatment
In general, the BMAC treatment procedure involves the following:
At Toole Sports Medicine, BMAC procedures are performed in the surgical suites in Delray Beach.
- The skin over the injection site is sterilized and numbed with a local anesthetic.
- A suction syringe attached to a long needle is inserted into the bone (commonly used areas include the shoulder, hip, knee).
- The bone marrow is suctioned out through a small needle puncture in the bone.
- The collected bone marrow sample is transferred to the centrifuge for processing (Arthrex Angel System)
- The sample undergoes a thorough processing and bone marrow aspirate concentrate with specialized cells are obtained.
- The concentrate is collected into a sterile syringe.
- The concentrate is then injected into the affected area under ultrasound, xray, or arthroscopic guidance.
- We have recently been using the nanoscope, which is a minimally invasive device which can help make sure the BMAC is delivered directly into the targeted site.
The number of BMAC treatments required depends on the degree of the injury and will be decided by your surgeon.
Post-Procedure Care and Instructions
Post-procedure care and instructions will include the following:
- Avoid strenuous activities for a couple of days.
- Apply ice on the injection site for comfort.
- Rest, elevation, and medicines are recommended to relieve pain and swelling.
- Gentle range of motion exercises is recommended.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medications for at least two weeks.
- A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your progress.
Risks and Complications of Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) Treatment
BMAC treatment is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any procedure, there are risks and complications that could occur, such as:
- Infection
- Damage to blood vessels and nerves
- Pain, swelling, or soreness at the injection site
Benefits of Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) Treatment
BMAC treatment offers several potential benefits, including:
- Minimal invasion and discomfort
- Safe, feasible treatment option
- Reduced inflammation and less pain
- Robust healing of the injured or damaged tissue
- Decreased chronic orthopedic conditions
