BMAC (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate)

BMAC stands for "Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate."

After obtaining the BMAC, it can be used for a variety of treatments. Often times it is injected into the knee, shoulder, or hip to treat osteoarthritis, cartilage damage or cartilage defects, meniscus tears, or other joint injury or joint pain. This can be done under x-ray guidance or with ultrasound to ensure the injection is targeting the correct location.

It can also be utilized as an addition to surgical repair of fractures or surgical repair of tendons such as rotator cuff repair, ACL reconstruction or ACL repair, MCL repair, and more.

BMAC Recovery Procedure: The recovery time after BMAC is usually very quick. Patients typically feel soreness at the aspiration site for 2-3 days. The positive effects of the procedure usually take 6-8 weeks to notice. 

Patients can usually slowly resume normal activity after 2-3 days. Exercise can resume at 1-2 weeks, but cutting your normal exercise volume in half to start.

Serious side effects are uncommon. However, risks include hematoma formation at the aspiration site, or soreness at the aspiration or injection site. Less common risks would include infection, persistent pain, and persistent bleeding.

Ice and pressure should be applied after the procedure. It is recommended to keep the aspiration site covered and avoid submersion or getting it wet for 48 hours.

BMAC and PRP are two separate things, but are often used to treat similar conditions. PRP stands for "platelet rich plasma" and is obtained from peripheral blood (usually obtained from a blood draw in the arm). BMAC is obtained from the bone marrow. However, there are some similarities in growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines between the two. Both are considered "orthobiologics."

Make sure and follow your physician's instructions. Most of the time you will be asked to stop antiinflammatory medications or NSAIDs for a short time before and after the procedure.

We also recommend eating a balanced diet and hydrating well with plenty of water in the days leading up to the procedure. You will likely need someone to drive you to and from the procedure.

BMAC is not currently covered by insurance. This treatment is considered "investigational/experimental" by insurance plans. These services are usually offered on a self-pay basis.

The device used to process BMAC is cleared by the FDA. The BMAC itself does not currently require FDA approval because it is made using your own cells, for homologous use, and with minimal manipulation. It is not considered a drug and BMAC is one of the only FDA-approved delivery methods for mesenchymal stem cells.

BMAC is one of the most commonly studied orthobiologic procedures in regenerative medicine space. The specific procedures in orthopedics have not been FDA approved for tendons, ligaments, cartilage, joints, or muscles. The procedures described are based on “firm scientific rational and on sound medical evidence” and consistent with FDA guidelines. The use of BMAC has some of the most safety data behind its use, and is generally considered an accepted practice.

Treatment is described in the mentioned studies are consistent with the 2017 FDA Guidance Document on Regulatory Considerations for Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products: Minimal Manipulation and Homologous Use. Please see FDA recommendations about unregulated stem cell use.