Bone Marrow Stem Cell Injections
It has been more than fifty years since the first bone marrow transplant was performed to treat an infant with immune deficiency (1). In the years following that milestone, researchers and physicians have discovered new ways to use the bone marrow and its powerful stem cells to treat a number of different medical illnesses, including orthopedic conditions. Dr. Arnold Caplan discovered the mesenchymal stem cell in the early 1990’s (2). These cells are a specific type of adult stem cell found in the bone marrow that have the ability to renew themselves and differentiate into bone, tendon, cartilage and muscle cells.
Patients who suffer with joint arthritis, tendinopathy or ligament sprains benefit from bone marrow cell therapy, which stimulates the body’s natural ability to improve circulation, decrease inflammation and heal injured tissues.
What is Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)?
Although the name sounds complicated, bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) simply describes the source, method and process for removing cells from a patient’s own body, preparing them and reintroducing them into an injured area.
Bone marrow is a source of therapeutic cells. It contains powerful mesenchymal stem cells that can be collected for treatment. It also contains other Orthobiologics such as platelets, growth factors and proteins that contribute to the therapeutic effects. Aspirate refers to the way the therapeutic cells are collected into a syringe. About four tablespoons of bone marrow is removed (aspirated) from the back of the hip area. Concentrate is the term that describes how the bone marrow is processed. The aspirated bone marrow is transferred into a centrifuge that spins the sample, separating it into different layers and concentrating the therapeutic cells.
Is BMAC Effective?
BMAC has the ability to address the symptoms and root cause of spine and joint pain by decreasing inflammation and promoting the healing of the injured tissues. Current research and clinical experience have shown promising results in decreasing pain and stiffness, improving function and enhancing cartilage and bone healing in patients with osteoarthritis, tendon injuries and other orthopedic conditions. The benefits of these treatments typically last 2 to 5 years or longer.
This is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that does not require hospitalization or lengthy rehabilitation. In fact, patients are back home within a few hours of the procedure and resume normal activities within a week. Most patients require only a single treatment, but it can easily be repeated if necessary.
To learn more about this exciting new treatment for orthopedic conditions, please visit us at: https://sdomg.com/bone-marrow-aspiration-concentrate-bmac-1/
Drs. Christopher J. Rogers and Mary A. Ambach of San Diego Orthobiologics Medical Group are board
certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and are recognized experts in orthobiologics therapies,
using cells and cell products to treat orthopedic conditions. They are stem cell researchers and
recognized leaders in the field of Regenerative Medicine. They have published extensively in the
scientific literature and have trained hundreds of physicians at medical conferences around the world.
Resources
1. M Health – Historical Milestones in Blood and Marrow Transplantation
2. Hindawi – Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells: When, Where, and How