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BMC stands for Bone Marrow Concentrate.  Bone marrow is the flexible tissue found in the hollow interior of bones. In adults, marrow in large bones produces new blood cells, including regenerative cells. These cells can be extracted from the patient’s hip bone and then concentrated and used for BMC injection therapy.

BMC therapy is a non-surgical treatment used to treat various orthopedic injuries. BMC is a concentrate of regenerative cells obtained from a patient’s own bone marrow. The physician removes a small amount of the patient’s bone marrow and spins it in a centrifuge in order to generate a powerful concentrate that will be injected in the injured area. In the past, these types of cells were often very difficult and expensive to obtain from the body.  With newer techniques and technological improvements, regenerative cells can easily be obtained and concentrated by a simple office procedure.

The procedure is done under a local anesthetic. While there is some slight discomfort, most patients tolerate the procedure very well and with minimal pain.  Post-injection soreness in the injection site is sometimes present given the BMC-induced inflammatory response.  This soreness usually resolves on its own within a few days after the injection.

BMC accelerates the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Unlike other cells, bone marrow concentrate cells have the ability to replicate themselves into a variety of tissue types. When injury occurs, the usual number of regenerative cells needed for tissue regeneration is often inadequate. With BMC, the concentrate of regenerative cells will provide a more robust healing of the damaged tissue and aid in growth and repair. While the full benefits of BMC are still unknown, it has been shown to reduce swelling, relieve pain, and enhance healing of articular cartilage and bone.

Elbow:
Medial and lateral epicondylitis (tennis & golfers elbow)

Spine:
Pinched nerve, sciatica, piriformis syndrome, Sacro-Iliac joint disease

Shoulder:
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis or Tear, Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome or Bursitis, Bicipital Tendinitis, labrum tears, arthritis, instability.

Wrist/Hand:
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, arthritis, other wrist or finger tendinitis, ligament tears or dysfunction of the fingers

Hip:
Iliotibial Band Tendinitis (ITB Syndrome), Psoas Tendinitis and bursitis, Greater Trochanteric Bursitis, Hip labrum tears, Piriformis Syndrome, Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction, arthritis

Knee:
Patellar Tendinitis, Patellar Femoral Syndrome, chondromalacia patella, partially torn or strained major ligaments of knee (ACL/LCL/MCL), meniscus tears, arthritis, patellar instability

Ankle/Foot:
Achilles Tendinitis, Peroneal Tendinitis, arthritis, recurrent ankle sprains, other foot or ankle tendinitis.

First, regenerative cells are obtained by harvesting bone marrow from the back of the patient’s hip bone under X-ray guidance.  The bone marrow is then placed in a machine called a centrifuge, which separates the regenerative cells and platelets from the rest of the blood products.  Second, a very small amount of local anesthetic is provided to the affected region to numb the area. Third, a needle is advanced in under ultrasound guidance until the problem target site is reached and the BMC is injected.  Once introduced at the site of injury, the platelets release growth factors that tell the regenerative cells what to become, thereby initiating the regenerative response.

Unlike cortisone shots, which mask symptoms and can damage tissue, BMC targets the root of the problem and attempts to heal the tissue.

Most patients require only a single BMC treatment depending on the degree of the injury.  This is usually followed by a single PRP injection 6 weeks later to give the body a boost. However in challenging cases, if a patient experiences significant relief that plateaus, they may consider a second BMC injection months or years later.

For the first 48-72 hours, swelling and discomfort are typical in the injected area.  By day 5, these symptoms usually begin to resolve and physical therapy is started to optimize BMC effects and facilitate recovery.   Patients have responded to BMC treatment in varying timeframes.

Bone marrow derived cancer (such as lymphoma), non-bone marrow derived cancer or metastatic disease (should be checked with your oncologist), and active systemic infection are all contra-indications. Blood thinning medication like Coumadin must be discontinued and managed appropriately prior to procedure.

No, BMC is considered experimental by insurance companies.

Most patients notice some level of improvement within 2-6 weeks post BMC. Increased stability and strength are typically reported with the decrease in pain.  A second gear of benefits may be obtained between 6 weeks and 3 months. Patients are encouraged to remain active, strengthen surrounding muscles, lose weight, achieve a proper diet and sleep routine.