Treatment · Orthobiologics

Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMAC)

A concentrated dose of your own bone-marrow-derived cells, drawn and processed in-office, then guided precisely into the joint or tendon that needs it most.

What BMAC is — and why it works.

Bone marrow is one of the richest reservoirs of the cells and growth factors your body uses to repair. BMAC draws a small sample of your marrow — usually from the pelvis — concentrates it in a centrifuge, and delivers that concentrate directly into the damaged tissue under imaging guidance.

Because it carries a broader mix of regenerative cells than platelets alone, BMAC is often our choice for more advanced cartilage and joint involvement. It’s an outpatient procedure done in a single visit, using nothing but your own biology.

Concentration matters

More than PRP — for the cases that need it.

BMAC isn’t a stronger version of everything; it’s the right tool for specific, more advanced joint and cartilage problems.

Our physicians sit on the national SAFE expert panel on bone marrow aspirate concentrate. In a prospective study of 37 severely-arthritic knees, 94.4% of patients reported improvement at four-year follow-up — a 95% success rate. (Most published studies report only 12–24 month outcomes; longer follow-up is still needed.)

How it works

What to expect

From evaluation to recovery, here’s the path.

  1. 01

    Step 1

    Evaluation & diagnosis

    We confirm BMAC is the right tool for your injury with exam, imaging review and diagnostic ultrasound.

  2. 02

    Step 2

    Marrow harvest

    A small quantity of marrow is drawn — typically from the back of the hip — with local anesthetic and imaging guidance.

  3. 03

    Step 3

    Concentration

    Your sample is spun in a centrifuge in-house (about 15–30 minutes) to concentrate the regenerative cells and growth factors.

  4. 04

    Step 4

    Guided delivery & recovery

    The concentrate is placed precisely into the target. The whole visit takes roughly two hours; mild pain and swelling typically resolve within 24–72 hours.

Conditions BMAC commonly helps

Who BMAC is for.

  • Moderate to advanced knee osteoarthritis
  • Hip & shoulder joint degeneration
  • Cartilage injury in select candidates
  • Severe or chronic tendon injuries
  • Cases beyond what PRP alone can address
  • Patients seeking to delay or avoid joint replacement

BMAC is matched to the diagnosis — an evaluation tells you whether it fits yours.

BMAC questions, answered

Does the marrow draw hurt?

We use local anesthetic and imaging guidance, so most patients tolerate the harvest well, with only brief pressure. Mild soreness at the draw site for a day or two is normal.

How is BMAC different from PRP?

PRP concentrates platelets from your blood; BMAC concentrates a broader population of regenerative cells from your bone marrow. We choose between them — or combine them — based on your specific diagnosis.

How soon will I see results?

Biological repair is gradual. Many patients feel meaningful improvement over several weeks to a few months, with continued gains beyond that.

Is BMAC covered by insurance?

BMAC is generally not covered. We provide transparent pricing and the documentation needed for any reimbursement you may pursue.

See whether BMAC can repair your joint.

Concierge evaluations in San Francisco and Palo Alto.