When a patient comes in with chronic hip pain and is looking for an alternative to total hip replacement, one viable solution could be a BMAC procedure. You may be asking yourself, "what is the BMAC procedure?" and what are the reasons some patients choose to opt for this procedure.
With the years of expertise and knowledge of Dr. Benjamin Domb, M.D. Orthopedic Surgeon, we'll dive deep into what a BMAC procedure is, what it can treat, and the benefits it offers.
BMAC Defined
Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that helps to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. This process is achieved by taking a sample of bone marrow, processing it, and extracting the following cellular components:
- Anti-inflammatory cytokines are naturally occurring molecules that help prevent the body from over-producing inflammation.
- Growth factors are natural substances that help regulate cell growth and repair.
- Mesenchymal stem cells are special cells that can be used to promote healing and regeneration.
What Is the BMAC Procedure?
Answering the question, "what is the BMAC procedure" is an essential step toward patient education and engagement. Both acute and chronic hip pain are common conditions that can lead to a lower quality of life due to restrictions on activities that they may assume are needed to prevent their pain in the first place.
When considering the various options to treat chronic hip pain, it's crucial to speak with an experienced orthopedic specialist about the treatment options available. Depending on the severity of the pain, a patient may be a suitable candidate for a BMAC procedure.
This procedure is minimally invasive and is done in-office on an outpatient basis. It involves collecting a sample of the patient's bone marrow from a large bone source, such as the pelvis. The area is numbed, and a needle is used to collect the sample.
Once separated, the cellular components are then injected into the joint space. These components can stimulate the body's natural healing process to help repair the joint tissues and help improve overall function and pain.
Overall, the procedure should only take a few hours to complete.
What Can the BMAC Procedure Help Treat?
A BMAC injection is an excellent option for patients experiencing many different hip injuries and conditions. Some of the most common issues include:
- Bone damage in your hip
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Tendon or cartilage injuries
Is a BMAC Procedure Painful?
The area is numbed with local anesthesia during the bone marrow extraction to ensure the patient is comfortable. The injection itself is relatively painless, with most patients reporting only minor discomfort.
Is a BMAC Injection Considered Safe?
Yes, bone marrow aspiration and injection procedures are considered safe when performed by a qualified healthcare professional. In research on the BMAC procedure for treating knee and hip osteoarthritis, researchers found that BMAC injections demonstrated satisfactory results in over 60% of cases and that adverse effects were infrequent and minor, occurring in only 12.1% of participants.
What Is the Recovery Following a BMAC Procedure?
Another important question you'll want to ask your medical team includes, "what is the recovery following a BMAC procedure?" Asking these sorts of questions is vital to your overall recovery. The more knowledge you have about the procedure, the higher the success you'll be in achieving the desired results.
The recovery process from a BMAC procedure depends on the individual. Generally speaking, a patient will only remain in the office for a short period following the injection. After that, most patients can return to their regular daily routine within a day or two.
The most common side effects following a BMAC procedure are pain and swelling at the injection site. While immediate pain may occur, most patients find that the pain subsides within a few days and can often be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Is a Follow-Up BMAC Procedure Needed?
Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need additional injections in the future. Your doctor determines this during your initial consultation, so you'll be aware of this information ahead of time.
If the procedure is being done early in treating your condition, then you will likely not need a follow-up procedure.
How Long Does It Take To Achieve Significant Pain Relief?
Generally, patients notice a significant decrease in two to four weeks, with the most significant pain relief happening within 12 weeks of the injection. The exact time frame varies from patient to patient, so staying in contact with your doctor throughout the recovery process is essential.
BMAC Injections Provided by Dr. Domb
BMAC injections are a great way to relieve chronic pain, but it's essential to work closely with your doctor throughout the entire process. It's also important to remember that the results of the injections may not be immediate, and it may take a few weeks to feel significant relief.
If you think BMAC injections may be right for you, contact Dr. Benjamin Domb, MD, today to schedule your consultation.
