Bone marrow aspirate concentrate, otherwise known as BMAC, is an autologous therapy procedure used by Dr. Mark Getelman to accelerate the body’s natural healing process. Over the years, more and more patients are utilizing BMAC to help aid in the healing of many orthopedic and sports injuries. Patients suffering from chronic tendon injuries or cartilage injuries in the greater Van Nuys, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks and Los Angeles, California area are encouraged to contact Dr. Getelman to discuss the many benefits of bone marrow aspirate concentrate.
Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) is gaining popularity as a safe and potentially effective treatment option for a variety of orthopedic conditions, such as:
- Tendon injuries
- Ligament injuries
- Cartilage injuries
- Osteoarthritis
- Fractures
- Osteonecrosis
The body contains special cells used in BMAC called perivascular medicinal signalling cells. A large portion of these type of cells are found in bone marrow. These signalling cells have a natural ability to aid in healing a number of injuries. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate uses a patient’s own ‘pluripotent’ or perivascular cells, also known as autologous or medicinal signalling cells. Orthopedic specialists offering autologous cell therapy can potentially improve healing potential in patients without the ethical concerns and complications of utilizing embryonic stem cells. Patients undergoing BMAC have a reduced rate of infection and other serious complications since they are using their very own perivascular medicinal signalling cells.
The autologous cells are extracted from a patient’s body; typically from bone marrow in the pelvis region. Once the bone marrow is harvested, it is circulated in a special machine called a centrifuge. The centrifuge separates the blood into various sections, including perivascular cells, platelets and white blood cells. The combination is then injected into the patient’s damaged tissues to promote regeneration and healing.
BMAC is not for all patients. Dr. Getelman may recommend this treatment to patients who have moderate osteoarthritis where a complete collapse of the joint is not present. BMAC is also recommended for certain ligament and tendon injuries that have not responded to other treatments options.
Patients up to the age of 60 years can typically achieve regeneration using their own pluripotent cells through BMAC therapy. Patients over the age of 60 years may develop senescent cells and typically do not achieve the same healing benefits since the body typically loses its ability to regenerate these type of cells as it ages. Dr. Getelman will discuss his recommendations for each patient during the consultation.
For more resources on bone marrow aspirate concentrate, or to determine if you are an ideal candidate for BMAC, contact the Van Nuys and Westlake Village, California office of Dr. Mark Getelman.