Concentrated regenerative cells and growth factors from your own bone marrow, delivered directly to degenerating discs and joints under image guidance to support advanced tissue repair.
Bone marrow is one of the richest sources of regenerative cells in the adult body. BMAC concentrates these cells and factors from a bone marrow aspirate drawn from the posterior iliac crest (the back of the hip bone). Unlike PRP, which delivers concentrated growth factors, BMAC delivers both cells and signaling molecules with the potential to address advanced degenerative conditions.
MSCs have the potential to differentiate into chondrocyte-like cells (which may support disc and cartilage repair), osteoblasts (which may support bone healing), and fibroblasts (which may support ligament and tendon repair). Beyond differentiation, MSCs secrete an array of trophic factors that are believed to modulate inflammation, promote angiogenesis, and recruit additional repair cells to the injury site. This paracrine signaling may be as important as the cells themselves.
Hematopoietic progenitors contribute to the immune-modulatory environment. Growth factors (PDGF, TGF-B, BMP, VEGF) are present in even higher concentrations than PRP. Anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1Ra, IL-10) shift the tissue environment from chronic destructive inflammation to controlled reparative signaling.
When delivered to a degenerating disc, BMAC is intended to provide what the disc cannot access on its own: cells with the potential to produce new extracellular matrix, growth factors that may stimulate resident cell activity, and anti-inflammatory signals aimed at interrupting the degenerative cycle. PRP provides growth factors; BMAC adds the cellular machinery that responds to those signals.
The procedure begins with bone marrow aspiration from the posterior iliac crest. We thoroughly numb the aspiration site with local anesthetic—most patients describe the sensation as deep pressure rather than pain. The aspirated marrow is processed in a specialized centrifuge to concentrate the regenerative cells and growth factors into a small volume of BMAC.
The concentrated BMAC is then injected under image guidance (fluoroscopy or ultrasound) directly into the target tissue—the degenerating disc, the arthritic joint, or the perineural space. Precision of delivery is critical: BMAC is too valuable to deposit imprecisely.
The entire procedure takes 60–90 minutes. The aspiration site may be sore for several days. Activity modification for 2–4 weeks after treatment is recommended to give the delivered cells the best opportunity to take effect.
PRP and BMAC are not competing treatments—they are different tools for different situations. PRP is appropriate for mild to moderate degeneration, annular tears, ligamentous injuries, and joint inflammation. It provides concentrated growth factors but not regenerative cells. BMAC is appropriate for advanced degeneration, significant cartilage loss, bone healing, and conditions where PRP has produced incomplete results. It provides both cells and growth factors.
In many patients, we use both: BMAC for the most significantly affected structures and PRP for secondary treatment areas. The integrated approach addresses the entire degenerative segment rather than a single tissue type.
BMAC therapy delivers regenerative cells to address advanced spinal degeneration. Let's discuss whether this approach is right for your specific condition.