BMAC sounds complicated. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate. But the idea is simple — a small amount of your own bone marrow, taken from your hip bone, concentrated, and injected into the affected joint to support its healing response. This guide explains it in plain language.
Causes and what is happening inside your body
Bone marrow contains growth factors and other biological components. BMAC concentrates the bone marrow and injects it into the affected joint. Unlike PRP (which uses blood), BMAC uses bone marrow. It is used in selected patients with Grade 2-3 arthritis or early AVN. How much tissue repair occurs is still being studied, and results vary.
🔬 BMAC vs PRP: PRP reduces inflammation and activates healing signals. BMAC uses concentrated bone marrow. Which option suits you depends on your grade and imaging.
How to recognise this condition — and when to see a doctor urgently
⚠️ See a doctor urgently if: Active joint infection — BMAC is contraindicated · Blood disorders · On anticoagulant therapy — must inform Dr. Sumit
What you can do to reduce your risk and protect yourself
Treatment options from simple home care to specialist treatment
The BMAC procedure takes 60-90 minutes. Bone marrow is aspirated from the back of the pelvis under local anaesthesia — a minor discomfort, not severe pain. The marrow is processed in the centrifuge to concentrate it. This is then injected under image guidance into the damaged joint. Patients go home the same day. In many patients, results appear gradually over 3-6 months; some studies report benefit lasting 3-5 years. Results vary.
💡 BMAC + Core Decompression for AVN: In early avascular necrosis of the hip, combining BMAC with core decompression can prevent femoral head collapse and potentially avoid hip replacement completely.
What I tell every patient who comes to me with this condition
"I consider BMAC for selected younger patients with Grade 2-3 knee OA or early AVN of the hip, where it may help delay surgery. It is not right for everyone, and I discuss the evidence and alternatives before recommending it."
— Dr. Sumit Dubewar · DABRM (USA) · Secunderabad
Dr. Sumit Dubewar consults at ONE Healthcare Clinic, Tirumalagiri, Secunderabad. Phone: +91 9370498182.
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