Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Kailash KothariMD Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine, FIAPM (Pain Medicine) · 30+ years experience
- No surgery required for many conditions
- Same-day procedures
- International training & advanced techniques
What is bone marrow stem cell therapy (BMAC)?
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) is a regenerative therapy that uses the regenerative cells and growth factors found in your own bone marrow. A small sample of marrow is taken — usually from the pelvic bone — and concentrated, then injected under image guidance into a damaged joint or area of bone to support natural repair.
BMAC is part of the regenerative medicine programme at Pain Clinic of India, alongside PRP and GFC therapy. It is most often considered for osteoarthritis and early avascular necrosis, with suitability decided after MRI and specialist assessment.
Who is Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy (BMAC) for?
- Moderate osteoarthritis of the knee, hip or shoulder
- Early-stage avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head
- Cartilage and certain tendon/ligament injuries
- Patients seeking a joint-preserving, regenerative option
How Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy (BMAC) is performed
- Under local anaesthetic, a small sample of bone marrow is aspirated (usually from the pelvic bone)
- The marrow is processed to concentrate the regenerative cells and growth factors (BMAC)
- Under image guidance, the concentrate is injected into the affected joint or bone
- For AVN, the concentrate may be delivered into the femoral head via a core decompression approach
Before, during & after the procedure
Before: A clinical assessment and MRI confirm the diagnosis and stage. Suitability for BMAC is decided, blood thinners are adjusted, and informed consent is taken.
During: Bone marrow is aspirated and concentrated in the clinic, then injected into the target site under image guidance. The procedure is performed under sterile conditions with local anaesthetic, often with light sedation.
After & recovery: Mild soreness at the aspiration and injection sites is common for a few days. Benefits develop gradually over weeks to months as healing progresses. Activity modification and rehabilitation are advised.
Benefits of Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy (BMAC)
- Uses your own regenerative cells — no donor material
- Joint-preserving option that may delay or avoid joint replacement in selected cases
- Minimally invasive, day-care procedure
- May relieve pain and support bone/cartilage healing
- Low risk of immune reaction (autologous)
Risks & possible side effects
- Soreness or bruising at the marrow aspiration and injection sites
- Short-lived pain flare after the procedure
- Infection or bleeding (rare with sterile, image-guided technique)
- Variable response — outcomes depend on the condition and its stage
Conditions treated with this procedure
Frequently asked questions about Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy (BMAC)
Medical references
This page is informed by guidance from the following authoritative medical sources: