Platelet-rich Plasma

Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine is the newest innovation in organic healing (cell therapy). Regenerative therapy includes Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC). These procedures are easily performed in office using 3 steps:

1. Harvesting stem cells
2. Concentrating stem cells
3. Delivering stem cells

What is Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)?

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) is a promising cutting- edge regenerative therapy to help accelerate healing in moderate to severe osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, bone fractures, cartilage defects, osteonecrosis and chronic wounds.

How does Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) help?

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate is derived from the patient's own bone marrow, which is a rich source of stem cells, growth and healing factors. When injected back into an area of injury, BMAC contributes significantly to the regenerative process. Unlike other cells of the body, bone marrow cells are "undifferentiated" which means they have the ability to replicate themselves into a variety of tissue types. When injury occurs, the usual number of regenerative cells needed for tissue regeneration is often inadequate. With BMAC, the concentrate of regenerative cells provides a more robust healing of the damaged tissue and aids in the growth and repair by accelerating the body's natural healing mechanism. BMAC has been shown to reduce swelling, relieve pain, and enhance healing of the cartilage and bone.

How is the procedure carried out?

Through a simple in-office procedure, blood and tissue is harvested from the bone marrow spaces of the hip using an ultrasound-guided needle with a local anesthetic. The bone marrow aspirate is then placed into a special processing unit that separates out and concentrates the growth and healing factors into an injectable product. The skin and soft tissue of the area targeted for treatment is anesthetized and the BMAC product is injected into the area of concern. This minimally invasive procedure avoids the risks of an open bone graft procedure because BMAC is derived from the patient's own body and therefore eliminates the risk of tissue rejection.

Is removing bone marrow or the injection procedure painful?

While the procedure is associated with slight discomfort, it is well-tolerated by most patients with minimal pain. Local anesthetics are used to numb the skin and tissue of the area of interest, in order to minimize discomfort. Post-injection soreness is a potential side-effect of the procedure, however it typically resolves on its own after a few days.

What types of conditions are treated with Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)?

BMAC contains 'pluripotent' stems cells. Pluripotent cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to replicate into a variety of tissue types. Therefore, Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate can be used for a wide variety of conditions to help with bone healing, cartilage repair, new blood vessel growth, delayed union or nonunion bone fractures, osteoarthritis, cartilage defects, osteonecrosis and chronic tendon problems.

This is a list of common problems that BMAC can help alleviate:

• Knee pain: Osteoarthritis, Meniscus Tears, Chrondromalacia of the Patella, Tendon injuries (Patellar Tendonitis, Quad tendonitis), ligaments sprains or tears (MCL, LCL, ACL.)
• Hip Pain: Osteoarthritis, Hip Labrum Tears, SI Joint Dysfunction, Piriformis Syndrome, Greater Trochanteric Bursitis, Iliotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome
• Shoulder: Osteoarthritis, Rotator Cuff Tendinitis, Tendonopathy, or Partial Tears, Labrum Tear, Bicipital Tendinitis
• Elbow Pain: Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow), Medial Epicondylitis (Golfers Elbow)
• Wrist/Hand Pain: Osteoarthritis, DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis
• Ankle & Foot Pain: Achilles Tendinitis or Partial Tears, Plantar Fasciitis, Ankle sprains/ligament injury
• Spine: Facet Joint Arthropathy. Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction

* BMAC is often not covered by insurance, please check with your insurance carrier