Treatment option Stem Cell

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) is a non-surgical Regenerative Procedure (Stem Cell Therapy) that helps accelerate healing in patients who suffer from orthopedic conditions, especially osteoarthritis and cartilage injuries. BMAC is a concentrate of regenerative stem cells obtained from a patient’s own bone marrow, and like PRP, utilizes the body’s intrinsic healing potential. With the appropriate expertise this procedure can be done with minimal discomfort. There is basic science and a case series research that demonstrates the potential effectiveness of these treatments in patients suffering from arthritis of various joints, especially the knee joint.

How does it work?

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (Stem Cell Therapy) is best for patients with moderate to severe orthopedic injuries, since the bone marrow contains a rich reservoir of regenerative cells. When injury occurs, there are usually inadequate supplies of regenerative cells needed to repair the body. These regenerative cells taken from the bone marrow can actually replicate themselves into various types of tissue. This in turn gives the patient a robust super concentrated mixture of regenerative cells that have very accelerated healing abilities that repair and aid in growth in the damaged area.

Benefits

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (Stem Cell Therapy) is usually for patients who have more moderate to severe orthopedic conditions like Osteoarthritis and Ligament/Tendon tears. However, it can also treat Meniscus Tears, Hip Pain, Knee Pain, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow, Achilles Tendinitis, Wrist/Hand Pain and the Spine.

Is it right for you?

Bone marrow cell therapy is a promising new method for treating a number of orthopedic ailments, but it’s not for everyone. In general, it’s reserved for more advanced injuries when treatments like platelet-rich plasma may not be strong enough to effectively provide relief and improved function. In addition, patients with a history of lymphoma, leukemia, certain blood diseases and multiple medical issues are often not candidates. During your initial consultation, our orthopedic team of experts at AOSM will review your medical history and injuries with you to help you determine if you’re an ideal candidate. Please schedule an appointment at Dr. Liu’s office to obtain more information and improve your lifestyle!

Healing

Swelling and discomfort is typical of the first 1-3 days after a BMAC procedure (Stem Cell Therapy). After about a weeks time, the patient can begin physical therapy in order to speed up recovery and to get the full benefit of the procedure. Most patients see some level of improvement (increased strength and stability) in 2-6 weeks time. Over the course of 3 months prior to the injections, patients who are able (specifically ones who are in a rehab program and are remaining active in order to further strengthen their muscles) do experience more recovery benefits.

Bone marrow cell therapy is still very new, and as such we are constantly evaluating its efficacy in treating various conditions. Further controlled trials are needed to better understand optimal indications and techniques. As of now, it has been shown to have promising results with the following conditions:

  • Improving painful joints with cartilage damage and osteoarthritis
  • Improving degenerative vertebral discs of the spine
  • Healing tendons
  • Healing bone fractures

In addition, bone marrow cell therapy is a very versatile treatment. It can be used to promote healing in larger joints, such as the hips and knees, as well as smaller joints, like the ankles and thumbs. It’s also a new possible alternative to surgery if your condition has been unresponsive to conservative approaches. When some injuries are so extensive they require surgery; our team of world class physicians can add bone marrow cells in the operating room to potentially speed healing and regulate inflammation and pain naturally.

Treatment

The patient’s regenerative cells (Stem Cells) from their bone marrow is removed by the physician (with usually a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort) and is put into a centrifuge to generate a highly concentrated mixture (which we test/count). This will then be then injected into the injured area on the same day. Post-injection soreness at the injured area that was injected can result, but usually resolves in a few days. As always, it’s important to stay away from all Anti-Inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Aspirin since they will interfere with the healing process started by the post-injection inflammation.

Treatable Conditions

Conditions that we have had success treating conservatively with Bone Marrow Concentrate (Stem Cells)  injection

  • Lateral Epicondylitis
  • Medial Epicondylitis
  • Quadricep tendonitis
  • Patella tendonitis
  • Intrasubstance rotator cuff tears
  • Intrasubstance meniscus tears

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!