- Bone marrow is soft, spongy tissue found in the center of your bones. The bone marrow is where our body produces red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and other components of plasma. Since this is the production site for these cells, immature forms of these cells called stem cells will be located in the bone marrow. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) is a procedure to remove a sample of these special cells and re-inject them into a joint or tendon where these stem cells can replicate themselves into various tissues.
- BMAC can be used for many conditions like joint pain, tendon injuries, cartilage injuries and stress fractures.
- Benefits of BMA include less side effects compared to surgery, these are naturally occurring cells in your own body, potential to speed up healing, minimally invasive, and minimal to no down time.
- After a thorough history and examination by your physician and discussing the important risks and benefits of the procedure, once you arrive for the procedure, you will undergo an injection of local anesthetic to the site of the BMAC aspiration, then a special needle will be inserted into the bone marrow to harvest the sample. After the sample is collected sterilely, it will be injected using ultrasound guidance into the target tissue. While the extraction of BMA only takes several minutes, the entire process can commonly take 1-2 hours to perform. The BMA cells are capable of repairing damaged tissue, reducing pain, and improving overall function.
- BMA procedures are safe when performed by a trained professional in a sterile environment. Complications can include bleeding and bruising and infection. Most individuals will need to take it easy for up to one week after the procedure and we provide detailed instructions based on your specific treatment.
