What is BMAC?
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) uses your own bone marrow—typically drawn from the back of the hip (iliac crest)—to deliver a concentrated mix of your body’s natural repair cells, growth factors, and platelets. These cells help modulate inflammation and stimulate healing in damaged tissue.
Unlike synthetic or donor products, BMAC is autologous—it comes from you—and is processed on-site the same day for reinjection into the affected joint, tendon, or ligament.
What BMAC May Help
BMAC is being used to help manage:
- Osteoarthritis (mild to severe knee, hip, or shoulder)
- Chronic tendon or ligament injuries (rotator cuff, Achilles, patellar tendon)
- Non-healing bone or cartilage injuries
- Certain spine or sacroiliac pain conditions
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative Disk Disease (DDD)
- Herniated Disk
Clinical studies suggest potential improvement in pain and function for some patients, though results vary and ongoing research continues to define its role.
How the Procedure Works (What to Expect)
- Preparation & Numbing: The hip area is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia.
- Bone Marrow Draw: A small needle collects marrow (about 60–120 mL) from the iliac crest.
- Processing: The sample is placed in a sterile centrifuge to separate and concentrate the repair cells.
- Injection: The prepared concentrate is injected into the target area using ultrasound or fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance for precision.
The entire visit usually takes 60–90 minutes. Most people describe mild to moderate soreness at the harvest and injection sites for a few days.
Preparation
Medication: Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, meloxicam) for about a week before and two weeks after treatment, unless your provider instructs otherwise. These medications can dampen the natural healing signals we are activating.
Lifestyle: Stay well-hydrated and eat a light meal before your visit. Arrange for a driver if sedation is used.
Aftercare & Recovery
First 2–3 days: Expect soreness and mild swelling. Use rest, ice, and acetaminophen if needed (no NSAIDs).
Days 3–14: Gradual return to light activities; avoid heavy loading or high-impact exercise (no NSAIDs).
Weeks 3–8: Physical therapy or guided movement work begins to strengthen the treated area.
6–12 weeks and beyond: Many patients experience progressive improvements in pain and function during this period; results vary by condition and overall health.
Benefits & Limitations
BMAC may provide a biologically based option when conventional therapies (rest, medication, injections) are insufficient and before considering surgery. Because it uses your own marrow, the risk of immune reaction or disease transmission is minimal.
Possible side effects include temporary pain, bruising, swelling, infection (rare), or numbness at the harvest site. Not all patients respond, and success depends on many factors including severity of degeneration and overall health.
Safety & Eligibility
You may not be a candidate if you have active cancer, severe anemia, blood disorders, or active infection. We review your medical history and imaging before recommending BMAC to ensure appropriateness.
Insurance, Medicare & Regulatory Notes
BMAC procedures are not covered by Medicare or most insurers; they are considered experimental/off-label for orthopedic use.
The FDA has not approved BMAC for the treatment of arthritis, tendon, or ligament disorders. Devices used to process bone marrow are FDA-cleared for preparation of autologous concentrates—not for specific disease treatment claims.
Exponential Health offers BMAC as a cash-pay procedure with transparent pricing. HSA/FSA also accepted.
How We Do BMAC at Exponential Health
Physician-Performed: All BMAC procedures are done by our physicians with advanced image-guidance training.
Integrated Plan: Each treatment includes post-procedure care guidance and collaboration with your rehab or physical therapy team.
Comprehensive Model: We combine regenerative, pain-management, and wellness strategies for best outcomes—avoiding the high costs and fragmented care typical in traditional systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need time off work?
Most patients resume normal activities within a few days, depending on the area treated and physical demands of your job.
How many treatments are needed?
Many patients receive one procedure; some benefit from a second depending on their condition and goals.
Is it safe?
When performed by experienced clinicians under sterile technique, BMAC has a strong safety profile. Complications are rare and typically minor.
Can I combine PRP and BMAC?
Yes—some treatment plans combine PRP and BMAC for additional biologic support, depending on diagnosis and clinical judgment.
This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. Your Exponential Health clinician will review your individual situation and guide you through appropriate regenerative options.