How It Works
A careful, targeted procedure
Aspiration
Bone marrow is drawn, typically from the pelvis, using a minimally invasive technique.
Concentrate
The sample is processed to concentrate cells and growth factors.
Ultrasound-guided injection
The concentrate is delivered precisely to the target under imaging guidance.
An honest note: BMAC is a more advanced biologic reserved for select cases. The evidence is still evolving, it is usually not covered by insurance, and it is not a cure or a substitute for surgery when surgery is indicated.
Subchondral BMAC · Joint Preservation
Could subchondral BMAC help you avoid a knee replacement?
Some knee-arthritis pain comes from the bone just beneath the cartilage — the subchondral bone — where painful "bone marrow lesions" can form. Delivering BMAC directly into that bone, rather than only into the joint space, targets the pain at its source and, in the right patient, may relieve symptoms enough to delay or avoid a knee replacement.
For selected patients only. Not a cure, and not a substitute for joint replacement when it is indicated. Individual results vary.
What the research suggests
In a long-term randomized study, patients with arthritis in both knees had one knee treated with subchondral bone-marrow concentrate and the other with a total knee replacement. Over long-term follow-up, many of the concentrate-treated knees avoided replacement altogether.
Reference: Hernigou P, et al. Int Orthop. 2021;45:365–373 & 391–399 — subchondral bone-marrow concentrate vs. contralateral knee arthroplasty at ~15-year follow-up.
Research & Evidence
What the evidence says about BMAC
Marrow-derived
BMAC concentrates cells and growth factors from your own bone marrow; it's studied as an advanced biologic option in select cases.
Reserved for select cases
It's typically considered for more advanced degeneration or when PRP hasn't helped. The evidence is still maturing.
Not a cure
BMAC may relieve symptoms in some patients, but it is not a guaranteed or curative treatment and is usually not insured.
Educational summaries simplified from the orthopedic literature; not a promise of results. We describe BMAC accurately and avoid overstated claims. The evidence for BMAC remains limited and of lower quality; major professional societies urge caution about biologics for arthritis, and BMAC is not FDA-approved as a treatment for arthritis.
BMAC by the Numbers
An honest look at the evidence for bone marrow aspirate concentrate — a promising option where research is still developing.
2-Minute Check
Am I a candidate for BMAC treatment?
Answer a few quick questions. This is educational and is not a diagnosis — only an evaluation can tell for sure.
Do you have early arthritis or a tendon injury?
Would you like to explore non-surgical options before considering surgery?
Have you either not yet tried, or not responded to, other conservative care?
You may be a strong candidate.
Your answers suggest BMAC treatment could be a good fit. The next step is a simple evaluation, where we'll confirm with an exam and imaging and review every option with you — surgical and non-surgical.
This tool is educational and not a diagnosis. Not everyone is a candidate; only a clinical evaluation can determine what's right for you.
You might be a candidate — let's talk.
Some of your answers point toward BMAC treatment, but the right path depends on the details. A short evaluation will give you a clear, honest answer and a plan.
This tool is educational and not a diagnosis. Not everyone is a candidate; only a clinical evaluation can determine what's right for you.
Let's take a closer look.
Your answers don't point clearly to BMAC treatment yet — but that doesn't mean we can't help. We'll evaluate what's going on and point you to the care that fits, often starting with non-surgical options.
This tool is educational and not a diagnosis. Not everyone is a candidate; only a clinical evaluation can determine what's right for you.
Answer all 3 questions to see your result.
Questions, Answered
Frequently asked questions
How is BMAC different from PRP?+
PRP is concentrated from your blood and is often first-line. BMAC is drawn from bone marrow, contains more cell types, and is an advanced option for select cases — such as more advanced degeneration or when PRP hasn't helped.
Is BMAC a stem cell treatment?+
BMAC contains a mix of cells and growth factors from your marrow. We describe it accurately and avoid overstated ‘stem cell’ claims — it is not a cure.
Is BMAC covered by insurance?+
Usually not. We'll explain the cost clearly before any treatment.
Is the procedure painful?+
The aspiration site is numbed. Most patients tolerate it well; we'll walk you through what to expect.
Is BMAC right for your case?
Request a consult and we'll give you an honest, individualized recommendation.