Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) And Its Role In Joint Pain

Joint pain may interfere with many aspects of daily life, including mobility, work, rest, and emotional well-being. For some individuals, this discomfort becomes a long-term issue that standard treatment options may not fully address.

As interest grows in research‑based options that may reduce pain and improve joint function without surgery or prolonged medication use, physicians are increasingly utilizing bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) in suitable cases. Regenexx lab processes prepare BMAC from a patient’s own bone marrow, concentrating cells and growth factors that may support tissue healing and joint health.

What Is Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate?

BMAC is a procedure that collects and concentrates healing agents, such as cells and growth factors, from a person’s own bone marrow. This approach may support the body’s natural healing process and promote improved joint function in orthopedic care.

To perform the procedure, a physician in the licensed Regenexx network uses a specialized needle to withdraw (aspirate) bone marrow, typically from the pelvic bone. Physicians usually numb the area with a local anesthetic, and many individuals tolerate the process well. The physician may also offer sedation based on clinical needs.

Bone marrow contains a variety of cells, including progenitor cells and other biologically active healing agents that may help promote the repair of musculoskeletal tissue, such as bone, cartilage, and muscle. Since these components come from the individual’s own body, this process avoids risks associated with donor materials or laboratory-expanded cells.

Procedures using bone marrow aspirate concentrate are supported by a growing body of published research in orthopedic applications. These procedures align with current FDA guidance for the use of a person’s own (autologous) cells and have demonstrated a low complication rate.

Research And Evidence Supporting BMAC

Clinical interest in BMAC continues to expand, particularly regarding its potential role in managing joint-related symptoms associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis. Research in this area is ongoing, with a growing number of studies evaluating both the safety and reported outcomes of procedures using BMAC.

A 2021 systematic review examined 22 studies—18 clinical and four preclinical—focused on the use of BMAC injections for joint pain.^[1] The review included 4,626 participants and consistently reported reductions in joint pain and improved function following BMAC procedures.

The review also indicated that BMAC has been associated with a favorable safety profile. Across the studies included, minimal adverse events were documented. However, researchers also noted variability in study design, smaller sample sizes, and limited long-term follow-up in several trials.

While early findings appear encouraging, authors of the review emphasized the importance of additional high-quality, large-scale studies to better define how BMAC procedures may support orthopedic care and which individuals may benefit most.

As the evidence base grows, physicians in the licensed Regenexx network can continue refining the use of procedures using Regenexx lab processes that may help reduce pain and may promote improved joint function in select individuals who are candidates for the treatment.

The Benefits Of Bone Marrow Concentrate In Interventional Orthobiologics

BMAC plays an important role in interventional orthobiologics—an area of care in which physicians utilize biologic materials derived from an individual’s own body to manage orthopedic conditions. These procedures focus on addressing joint, tendon, ligament, and muscle concerns without immediate reliance on long-term medication or surgical intervention.

The concentrated components in BMAC, including cells and growth factors, are introduced directly to areas of tissue injury or degeneration. This targeted delivery may help support the body’s natural healing processes and may help regain mobility and function over time.

Procedures using Regenexx lab processes may be considered for individuals with more significant soft tissue injuries, such as partial tendon, ligament, or muscle tears, or those with joint issues related to arthritis or wear-and-tear degeneration. These procedures may help reduce inflammation, may help reduce joint pain, and may promote improved movement.

For individuals with more advanced joint degeneration, orthobiologic procedures may be an option to consider before joint replacement. Since the injectate is derived from the person’s own bone marrow, the process avoids concerns related to donor tissue and is considered less invasive than surgical alternatives.

Within the field of interventional orthobiologics, bone marrow aspirate concentrate continues to offer a research-based option for managing musculoskeletal conditions—one that aims to improve function and support joint health over the long term.

Conditions That May Benefit From Orthobiologic Treatment

Physicians use orthobiologic procedures to help support recovery in a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. These procedures help promote improved joint and soft tissue function. They may also reduce pain in cases where traditional treatments, such as surgery or long-term medication use, present limitations or additional risks.

Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network may consider orthobiologic procedures using Regenexx lab processes for the following orthopedic conditions:

• Plantar Fascia Tear: A plantar fascia tear is a partial or complete rupture of the thick band of tissue supporting the arch of the foot. It may cause sharp heel pain, swelling, and difficulty walking, often worsening with weight-bearing activities. Read More About Plantar Fascia Tear.

• Hip Tendon Tears: Hip tendon tears occur when the tendons around the hip joint partially or fully rupture due to injury or degeneration. This may cause pain, weakness, and reduced mobility, often worsening with movement or prolonged activity. Read More About Hip Tendon Tears.

• Shoulder Osteoarthritis: Shoulder osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in the shoulder joint wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Symptoms may worsen with movement, potentially affecting daily activities and arm function. Read More About Shoulder Osteoarthritis.
• Shoulder Instability: Shoulder instability occurs when the shoulder joint becomes loose or prone to dislocation due to weakened or damaged ligaments. It may cause pain, weakness, and a feeling of the shoulder slipping out of place, often worsening with overhead or repetitive arm movements. Read More About Shoulder Instability.
• Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC): A TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex) tear is an injury to the cartilage and ligaments on the outer wrist, often caused by trauma or repetitive stress. It may lead to wrist pain, weakness, clicking sensations, and reduced grip strength, especially during rotation or weight-bearing activities. Read More About TFCC Tears.

• Chronic Tennis Elbow: Chronic tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition caused by repetitive stress on the tendons in the outer elbow. It can lead to persistent pain, weakness, and reduced grip strength, making daily activities and arm movement more challenging. Read More About Chronic Tennis Elbow.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, leading to numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the hand and fingers. Symptoms may worsen over time, affecting grip strength and fine motor skills. Read More About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
• Osteonecrosis: Osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis, occurs when blood flow to a bone is reduced, leading to tissue death. This may cause pain, joint stiffness, and potential bone collapse, often affecting weight-bearing joints such as the hip, knee, or shoulder. Read More About Osteonecrosis.

• Bulging Discs: A bulging disc occurs when a spinal disc extends beyond its normal space without rupturing. Depending on the affected area, it may cause localized pain or nerve compression, leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the back, neck, or limbs. Read More About Bulging Discs.
• Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects the spine to the pelvis and helps transfer weight between the upper body and legs. Dysfunction or inflammation in this joint may cause lower back pain, hip discomfort, and stiffness, often worsening with movement or prolonged sitting. Read More About Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction.

What Happens During A BMAC Injectate Procedure?

Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network follow a series of coordinated steps when preparing and administering BMAC using Regenexx lab processes. Each stage is guided by image-based precision and specialized protocols.

• Preparing The Bone Marrow Aspiration: The physician draws bone marrow from the pelvis using a needle and image guidance after numbing the area with a local anesthetic.
• Processing the Sample: The physician places the marrow in a centrifuge, a machine that spins the sample to concentrate specific cells and growth factors into a smaller volume for injection.
• Injection into the Target Area: The physician uses image-guidance (ultrasound or fluoroscopy), real-time imaging that helps guide the injectate precisely into the area of tissue damage or degeneration.
• Post-Procedure Care: The physician advises a return to light activity within a few days and may recommend follow-up visits and temporary activity modifications.

Determining If BMAC Procedures May Be Appropriate

Persistent joint pain or limited mobility—despite rest, physical therapy, or medications—may warrant further evaluation. When symptoms interfere with daily activities or do not improve over time, a physician may recommend additional diagnostic testing to better understand the cause and severity of the condition.

A thorough evaluation may include:

• Physical examination to assess movement, joint stability, and function
• Review of medical history, including prior diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes
• Imaging tests to help identify tissue damage, inflammation, or joint changes. These include:
  • X-rays to evaluate joint structure, spacing, and signs of degeneration
  • MRI scans to assess cartilage, soft tissue, and inflammation
  • Ultrasound to visualize tendons, ligaments, and joint surfaces in real time

Physicians may recommend procedures using bone marrow aspirate concentrate for individuals who:

• Are not candidates for surgery
• Prefer less invasive alternatives
• Wish to delay or avoid joint replacement

For physicians outside the licensed Regenexx network, outcomes can vary widely and are closely tied to the clinician’s training and procedural technique. Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network use precise techniques, image guidance, and Regenexx lab processes to prepare and deliver injectates accurately.

While costs for orthobiologic procedures may vary, research-backed protocols performed by experienced physicians may help reduce symptoms and promote improved joint function. Individuals considering this option should consult a physician trained in interventional orthobiologics who follows standardized protocols and tracks patient outcomes over time.

Manage Chronic Pain With Regenerative Treatment Options

Chronic joint or soft tissue pain can interfere with daily life, limiting movement and impacting overall well-being. When traditional treatments offer limited relief—or carry risks that outweigh potential benefits—interventional orthobiologics may provide an alternative approach.

Procedures using Regenexx lab processes allow physicians to use components from the individual’s own bone marrow to support the body’s natural healing process. These procedures may help reduce symptoms and may promote improved function without the need for surgery or long-term medication use.

Consult with a physician in the licensed Regenexx network to determine whether these procedures align with your specific condition, goals, and treatment needs.