
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
BMAC/Bone Marrow Aspirate (BMA)
1746882340
A Bone Marrow Aspirate (BMA) or Concentrate (BMAC) procedure uses your body’s natural healing cells to repair damaged tissues. The choice between BMA or BMAC depends on your provider. BMAC involves concentrating cells with a centrifuge, whereas BMA doesn't. This treatment can benefit joints, tendons, ligaments, or fractures that heal slowly.
During the procedure, bone marrow is drawn from your pelvic bone using a special needle, with local anesthetic to numb the area. The marrow is processed to concentrate healing cells like mesenchymal stem cells, which help repair tissue and reduce inflammation. These cells are injected into the affected area with imaging guidance for precision.
This procedure is often used for osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, certain back conditions, or as an alternative to surgery when other treatments haven’t worked.
Alternatives include physical therapy, steroid injections, PRP therapy, or surgery. Steroids offer short-term relief but have risks with repeated use, like tendon weakening. BMAC is usually preferred because it stimulates tissue healing.
Risks are low but may include soreness, swelling, infection, or rare nerve irritation. You may need to stop N SEDS for a week or two before the procedure to enhance healing.
Patients go home the same day and return to normal activities within a week. Full benefits typically appear in six to eight weeks, with continued improvements.
If you seek a less invasive way to promote healing, BMA or BMAC therapy might be a promising option. Our team is here to help you find the best treatment plan.
FAQs
Are there any risks associated with the BMAC procedure?
The risks of the BMAC procedure are generally low but can include temporary soreness, swelling, infection, or rare instances of nerve irritation. Patients are advised to cease using NSAIDs before the procedure to enhance overall healing.
How is the BMAC procedure performed?
The procedure involves extracting bone marrow from the pelvic bone using a special needle under local anesthesia. The marrow is processed to concentrate healing cells, which are then injected into the affected area precisely using imaging guidance.
What is the difference between Bone Marrow Aspirate (BMA) and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)?
BMA involves drawing out bone marrow from the pelvic bone without further processing, while BMAC involves concentrating the healing cells within the marrow using a centrifuge. This concentration process enhances the ability of the therapy to aid tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
What should patients expect in terms of recovery after a BMAC procedure?
Patients typically return home the same day as the procedure and can resume normal activities within a week. Full benefits usually emerge within six to eight weeks as healing progresses and improvements continue.
What types of conditions can be treated with BMAC?
BMAC is often used to treat conditions like osteoarthritis, tendon and ligament injuries, degenerative disc disease, and slow-healing fractures. It works by promoting inflammation reduction and tissue regeneration in these areas.