What Is Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)?
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate, or BMAC, is a biologic material collected from your own bone marrow - typically from the back of the pelvic bone. Once collected, the marrow is processed to isolate a concentrated mixture of your body's own:
- Stem-like cells
- Platelets
- Growth factors
- Cytokines
These components are currently being studied in regenerative medicine for their possible ability to support tissue signaling, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in orthopedic conditions.
Why BMAC?
BMAC is being explored for its potential in:
- Supporting joint health
- Modulating inflammation in soft tissues
- Contributing to biologic repair signaling in injured areas
How Is the Procedure Done?
The BMAC process is performed outpatient and generally takes 1.5 to 2 hours:
- Harvest: After numbing the area, bone marrow is collected from the back of your hip bone using a special needle.
- Processing: The marrow is spun in a centrifuge to isolate the most biologically active components.
- Injection: The concentrated material is injected back into the area of concern (such as a joint or tendon), often under ultrasound guidance.
Most procedures are done as outpatient visits and take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
After the Procedure: What to Expect
Most patients return to daily activities quickly, but we generally recommend:
- Avoiding high-impact activity for a few days
- Using ice for comfort at the injection or harvest site
- Avoiding anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen for 1-2 weeks
- Follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery
Risks and Safety
As with any minimally invasive procedure, BMAC has some potential risks:
- Mild discomfort or swelling
- Bruising or soreness at the harvest site
- Rare complications like infection or bleeding
- No guarantee of pain relief or clinical improvement
What Can BMAC Offer?
BMAC is not a cure or a substitute for surgical procedures when needed. However, it may be considered by patients looking for:
- A biologic option using their own cells
- A procedure performed under local anesthesia
- A potential adjunct before or after other orthopedic treatments
We always aim to give patients realistic expectations and evidence-based guidance.
FDA Disclaimer: Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) is considered an investigational biologic product and is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for consultation with a licensed healthcare professional.