Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), is a concentrated solution of cells which are obtained from a person’s own bone marrow which is typically obtained from the back of the pelvis (posterior iliac crest). This specialized solution contains several types of very important immune-regulating and regenerative cells which collectively are a powerful promoter of a robust healing response that has shown promise in repairing compromised damaged bone and connective tissues.
Click here to learn more about BMAC
At this time, unfortunately, BMAC is not covered by most insurance plans. Please call us at (818) 817-6377 ext. 1 to get more information on pricing and whether or not your insurance covers this service.
The benefits of BMAC include, but are not limited to:
- Decreased inflammation
- Non-surgical approach to treating injuries and pain
- Decreased recovery time when compared to surgical procedures.
- Very effective in relieving pain and returning patients to their normal lives
- Patients receive their own cells so there is no risk of immune rejection
- Safer and “healthier” than steroid injections
Patients are typically instructed to avoid strenuous activity for a few days, although most can return to their jobs the next day. A physical therapy routine will most likely be prescribed by your physician to reduce pain and increase mobility.
The injection can also restart a healing inflammatory process, which is why patients are often given initial activity restrictions. Subsequent referrals to physical therapy are often made so that patients may be taught to load the tissue in an appropriate fashion to rebuild strength and flexibility.
While minor adverse side effects are rare, it is still possible that they can occur on the day of treatment. These marginal side effects can include a slight fever or rash.
Common short-term side effects of the autologous harvesting procedure include pain and bruising at the site (which can last up to two weeks) and slight bleeding or leakage (which can last 24-48 hours).
To our knowledge, no major long-term side effects of BMAC has been described in the literature or in our clinical experience.
BMAC, in essence, functions to aid in the healing and regeneration of injured tissues to a healthy state.
BMAC contains a complex array of various cells, including stem cells, cytokines and growth factors. Although not completely understood, the current theory of how BMAC effects change within the microenvironment of the injected tissue includes a complex interplay and interaction between cells and responding to a “stem cell niche” or environment that is present. There are many factors which influence the “stem cell niche” including location, patient age and mechanical influences, to name a few.
After harvesting a sample of bone marrow from the back of the hip bone (iliac crest), a centrifuge is used to concentrate the aspirated bone marrow to yield BMAC. The solution is then injected precisely at the injured tissue or joint using advanced imaging guidance. By including growth factors and a subset of stem cells at the injured site, BMAC has advanced capabilities to potentiate and accelerate the body’s healing process. BMAC helps prevent further degeneration, and stimulates the deposition of fresh collagen and new blood vessel growth which is vital to the nourishment and sustainability of our body’s tissues.
Click here to learn more about BMAC
