What Is Bone Marrow?
Bone marrow is the soft spongy tissue that is found in the center of your bones.
In adults, marrow in the large bones is the producing center of your red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma components.
Since this is the location of production, immature forms of these cells, called stem cells, will be found here.
What is Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC)?
Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC) Therapy, also known as Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) Therapy, is a promising cutting-edge regenerative therapy
to help accelerate healing in moderate to severe osteoarthritis and tendon injuries.
How does BMC therapy work?
While similar to Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) in its ability to harness the body’s ability to heal itself through growth factors,
BMC also utilizes regenerative cells contained within a patient’s own bone marrow.
The marrow contains a rich reservoir of “pluripotent” stem cells that can be withdrawn from the patient’s hip bone and used for the procedure.
Unlike other cells of the body, stem cells are “undifferentiated,” meaning they are able to replicate themselves into various types of tissue.
What is PRP?
PRP treatments have been featured in the news recently as a regenerative medicine and a potential solution to help repair many chronic injuries.
Some professional athletes claim that PRP has helped them get back in the game sooner.
Platelet Rich Plasma injections are a relatively new solution for many injuries and afflictions.
The minimally-invasive process is relatively simple and can typically be performed in-office.
Within a few weeks of the procedure, patients often see improvement in their injury.
The Treatment Process
While blood contains white and red blood cells, a small percentage is comprised of platelets.
Platelets are known for their clotting abilities, however, they also assist with the healing process.
The exact mechanism of action is unknown, however, in higher concentrations, platelets appear to “jump start” healing.
First, some of the patient’s blood is drawn and spun down in a centrifuge to increase the concentration of platelets.
The concentration of platelets in a PRP solution may become 5–10x greater than in normal blood.
The solution is then carefully injected into the injured area.
Pain in the area may increase temporarily, however, patients often begin to feel beneficial effects within a few weeks.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Stem Cell Procedure?
You may be a good candidate for stem cell therapy if you have been suffering from soft tissue, tendon, or joint pain and want to improve your quality of life
while avoiding complications related to invasive surgical procedures.
Preparing for the Procedure
It is important that you stop taking any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at least two weeks before your procedure.
Preparing for a stem cell procedure is relatively easy, and your doctor will give you specific instructions depending on your condition.
Stem Cell Procedure
The procedure begins with your doctor extracting stem cells from your own bone marrow or sterile harvested tissue from donors.
Bone marrow is usually aspirated from your lower leg or heel region.
Your doctor will first clean and numb your lower leg or heel area.
A needle is then introduced into an area of your heel bone or leg bone known as the tibia or calcaneus.
Bone marrow is then aspirated using a special syringe, and the concentrated stem cell sample is separated.
Your doctor then cleans and numbs your affected area to be treated and, under the guidance of special x-rays,
injects the stem cells into the diseased region.
The whole procedure usually takes less than one hour and you may return home the same day.
Post-Operative Care
You will most likely be able to return to work the next day following your procedure.
You will need to take it easy and avoid any load-bearing activities for at least two weeks.
You will also need to refrain from taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for a while,
as these can affect the healing process of your body.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Stem cell therapy is a relatively simple procedure that avoids the complications associated with invasive surgical procedures.
As stem cell therapy uses cells derived from your own body, it reduces the chances of immune rejection.
The main disadvantage of adult stem cell therapy is the lack of long-term data, as it is a newer evolving therapy.
Risks and Complications
Stem cell therapy is generally considered a safe procedure with minimal complications.
However, as with any medical procedure, complications can occur.
Some risk factors related to stem cell therapy include infection, as stem cells may become contaminated with bacteria, viruses,
or other pathogens during the preparation process.
The procedure to either remove or inject the cells also carries the risk of introducing an infection into the damaged tissue.
Rarely, an immune reaction may occur from the injected stem cells.
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