OVERVIEW

What is Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)

Bone Marrow Aspirate (BMA) involves the extraction of a small amount of bone marrow fluid through a needle inserted into the bone, typically the hip (iliac crest) or sternum. This fluid is rich in progenitor cells, including hematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which can develop into various types of cells including bone, cartilage, and other connective tissues.

Types of Stem Cells in Bone Marrow

• Hematopoietic stem cells responsible for the production of all types of blood cells in the body. These cells are found primarily in the bone marrow, but small numbers can also be found in peripheral blood and cord blood.
• Mesenchymal Stem Cells, are multipotent stromal cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types associated with various tissues. These cells are critical in the field of regenerative medicine due to their potential to repair and regenerate damaged tissues. MSCs were originally identified in the bone marrow

In regenerative medicine, BMA is concentrated to increase the density of beneficial cells and then used in procedures aimed at repairing damaged tissues, promoting healing, and reducing inflammation. The process of concentrating bone marrow aspirate to enhance its regenerative properties is often referred to as Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC).

What does it Treat?

• Osteoarthritis: To potentially delay the progression of joint degeneration, especially in the knee and hip, by promoting cartilage repair and reducing inflammation.
• Chronic Tendon Injuries: Such as tendinopathies that are resistant to other forms of treatment, including Achilles tendonitis and rotator cuff tears.
• Bone Healing: To enhance the healing of bone fractures, particularly in cases where healing is slow or compromised (non-union fractures).
• Spinal Conditions: Including degenerative disc disease, to help alleviate pain and possibly regenerate disc material.
• Sports Injuries: To accelerate recovery from muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries commonly seen in athletes.

How is BMAC Prepared?

The preparation of BMA for use in regenerative medicine involves several steps designed to ensure that the aspirate is safe and effective and includes:

• Collection: Bone marrow is harvested using a needle, usually from the posterior iliac crest of the hip bone,
• Aspiration: A specialized needle is inserted into the bone marrow cavity, and a syringe is used to withdraw marrow blood, which contains the stem cells and other growth factors.
• Concentration: The aspirated marrow is then processed using a centrifuge to concentrate the stem cells and other beneficial components. This process involves spinning the marrow at high speeds to separate the denser cells (including mesenchymal stem cells and hematopoietic cells) from the less dense plasma and other fluids.
• Preparation for Injection: The concentrated bone marrow aspirate (BMAC) is then prepared in syringes for injection

How Does BMAC Work?

The effectiveness of Bone Marrow Aspirate in regenerative medicine is attributed to the rich mixture of cellular elements it contains, including:

• Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): These are multipotent stromal cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types including bone, cartilage, muscle, and fat. This versatility is key in regenerating damaged tissue.
• Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs): These cells are primarily responsible for producing the blood cells necessary for healing and immune responses.
• Growth Factors: BMA contains numerous growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which are critical for healing and tissue regeneration. These factors stimulate cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), which are essential for healing damaged tissues.

What are the Benefits ?

• Natural and Autologous: Since BMA uses the patients own cells, there is a reduced risk of rejection and immune response complications compared to materials from foreign sources.
• Potent Healing Properties: The high concentration of stem cells and growth factors can significantly enhance the body’s natural healing processes.
• Minimally Invasive: The procedure to harvest bone marrow aspirate is less invasive than traditional surgeries, with typically lower risk and faster recovery.
• Versatility: BMA can be used to treat a variety of conditions across different body areas, making it a versatile tool in tissue regeneration.
• Reduction in Pain and Improved Function: By addressing the root causes of pain through tissue regeneration, BMA can lead to sustained pain relief and improved functional outcomes.