Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) Stem Cell Therapy
Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) is a form of regenerative medicine. Bone marrow is a rich source of pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and growth factors, and currently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Active individuals who endure chronic pain from joint injuries or osteoarthritis may finally get relief from a safe, non-surgical procedure. It’s called Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate therapy, and it utilizes bone marrow from the patient’s own bone marrow to rebuild a damaged joint cartilage. It has been successful in not only relieving the pain, but also in jumpstarting the healing process.
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate therapy is done in our clinic and takes about an hour. The patient’s back is anesthetized with local anesthesia and bone marrow is drawn out of the posterior hip bone under ultrasound or fluoroscopy and placed in a centrifuge for 20 minutes to separate out and concentrate the bone marrow. This concentrate is then injected into the damaged joint with the guidance of an ultrasound or fluoroscopy machine.
Patients should avoid exercise for 10 days, then they can resume light exercises. After about 6 to 12 weeks, patients are re-evaluated for improvement.
Some patients with more difficult injuries may require more than one injection to achieve successful outcomes. Most bone marrow concentrate patients find that within 3 months they can return to most or all the activities they were doing before the pain started.
How do I know if I am a candidate for Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) therapy?
BMAC therapy is advised for patients with moderate osteoarthritis in the hip, knee or shoulder or degenerative disc disease or joint disease of the lower back. Typically, the patient has failed conservative treatment options such as rest, medication, and physical therapy.
Who is not a candidate for BMAC therapy?
- Any one with a cancer (such as prostate cancer or breast cancer), not in remission for at least 5 years
- Certain other malignancies or blood borne diseases that you are being treated for any current infection
- Patients unable to get off blood thinners for 5-7 days
- Patients with cerebral palsy or Parkinson’s Disease
- General procedural contraindication
- Patients with multiple medical issues may not be good candidates
Does the treatment consist of one injection or multiple injections?
This is ultimately decided on a case-by-case basis. The physician may use MRI or Ultrasound results to determine the number of injections. Typically, the physician will suggest between 1 to 3 injections. If pain relief has been obtained with one BMAC injection, then no further injections are indicated.
What is the cost of BMAC treatment?
The cost of PRP treatment varies based on the number of injections you receive. Bilateral procedures are offered at a reduced rate if paid together. Insurance companies for the most part won’t pay for BMAC therapy. Our financial counselor will work with you to determine if your insurance will pay or if you will need to pay out of pocket for the treatment. Please talk with our financial counselor for more detailed information.
How long do I have to wait to return to my normal activities?
Usually, you can return to normal activities right away. If sedation was used, then wait until the next day to resume activities. Avoid exercise for 10 days. How quickly you can return to your normal activities may depend on the condition and body part being treated.
After 10 days, you can do light exercise. We can refer you to a physical therapist if you need instruction or help with exercise.
Can I drive home after the BMAC injection?
- If you get sedation, you must have a driver to drive you home.
- If the injection is in your right knee or ankle, you will not be allowed to drive home.
- If the injection is in any other body part, and you did not get sedation, you may drive yourself home after the injection.
Will I need to complete physical therapy?
The physician may prescribe physical therapy to help you regain your strength, mobility, and function. Typical physical therapy programs last approximately 12 weeks. Your insurance company usually covers physical therapy, but you should call your insurance company to confirm.
Do I need to schedule a follow up appointment?
Yes, the physician will want to see you back in the clinic to check your progress. You will be asked to make a follow-up appointment 12 weeks following the injection.
Can I take my normal medication(s) before and after the injection?
Do not take anti-inflammatory medication such as Advil, Aleve, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Mobic, Naproxen, or Diclofenac for 2 weeks prior to the injection and 6 weeks after the injection. If needed, Pain medication can be prescribed the day of the procedure to be taken as needed. Tylenol/Acetaminophen is allowed.
What should I do if I think I’m a candidate?
If you live near Lafayette, we recommend scheduling an appointment for a consultation so that we can look at your radiology films (x-rays) and examine you to determine if you are a good candidate or not.
If you live more than 3 hours away, please work with your local health care professional to send us the following: 1. Recent x-ray and/or MRI (no more than a few months old) 2. Medical records (pertaining to your injury).
Send your images and records to us for review – please include your contact information.
We will contact you back about our decision within 7-10 business days.
