Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)Therapy

What is Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate treatment?

Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) treatment is a regenerative medicine technique in which a patient’s own bone marrow is used to promote repair of damaged joints, tendons, and ligaments. Bone marrow contains special cells and growth factors that can help the body’s healing process.

Indications

BMAC treatment is commonly used for

  • Knee osteoarthritis

  • Cartilage injuries

  • Tendon and ligament injuries

  • Degenerative disc disease

  • Bone healing support

Before the Procedure

Stop anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin at least 2 weeks before the procedure. These medications can reduce the healing response encouraged by this treatment.

During the Procedure

BMAC treatment is done in the office as a same-day outpatient procedure.

  • Your doctor will numb a small area over your hip and use a special needle to draw out some bone marrow.

  • The bone marrow is then placed in a centrifuge to concentrate the healing cells.

  • The concentrated cells are then injected into the affected area.

This procedure lasts approximately 45-60 minutes.

Post Procedure

It is normal to have some soreness at the bone marrow harvest site and the injection site. These symptoms are temporary and should go away in a few days.

Medication Guidelines

  • Do not take anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) like ibuprophen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), aspirin, or diclofenac (Voltaren) for at least 4-6 weeks following treatment.

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe to take if needed for pain relief.

  • Ice packs may be applied to the treated area

Activity Guidelines

  • Days 0-3: Rest and limit strenuous activity. Light walking is fine. Avoid heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling. 

  • Weeks 1-2: Gradually increase light daily activities as tolerated. Avoid high-impact activities such as running, jumping, or heavy exercise. 

  • Weeks 2-4: Being gentle range-or-motion exercises and if recommended by physician, start physical therapy. 

  • Weeks 4-6: Gradually increase resistance exercises and functional activities 

  • After 6 weeks: most patients can return to full activities.

BMAC treatment does not provide instant relief. It works by jumpstarting your body’s natural healing process. Most patients see results 3 to 6 months after starting treatment.

When to call your doctor

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following after the procedure

  • Fever or chills

  • Severe or worsening pain

  • New weakness or numbness in your arms or legs

  • Difficulty with bowel or bladder control

  • Redness, swelling, or drainage at the injection site

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Because BMAC relies on your boy’s natural healing and regeneration process, improvement is often gradual rather than immediate. Many patients notice changes over the course of several weeks to a few months following the procedure.

  • NSAIDs are generally avoided for several weeks after the procedure, as they can interfere with the inflammatory healing process BMAC is designed to trigger. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is typically recommended for pain relief instead. Ask your doctor for a specific timeframe.

  • The area is numbed with local anesthetic beforehand, so most patients feel pressure rather than sharp pain during the draw. Some patients describe a brief, deep aching sensation. Mild soreness at the draw site afterward is common and typically improves within a few days.