B-MAC Therapy
Overview:
B-MAC therapy involves harvesting a patient’s own bone marrow, concentrating it, and then injecting the concentrated stem cells and growth factors into damaged tissues (such as joints, tendons, or bones) to promote healing. It is considered a type of regenerative medicine and is used as an alternative or adjunct to surgery.
Why It’s Done:
B-MAC therapy is used to treat:
Osteoarthritis (especially knee, hip, or shoulder)
Tendon or ligament injuries (e.g., rotator cuff, Achilles tendon)
Cartilage damage
Bone healing problems or nonunions
It’s typically offered to:
Patients who want to avoid or delay surgery
Individuals not responding to conservative treatments (rest, medications, physical therapy)
Athletes or active individuals seeking faster recovery
How You Prepare:
Preparation usually includes:
Initial consultation and imaging (X-rays, MRI) to confirm diagnosis
Medication review: Anti-inflammatory drugs may be stopped before the procedure
Hydration: Patients are advised to drink fluids before bone marrow collection
Informed consent: Discuss risks, benefits, and realistic expectations
No general anesthesia is needed, but local anesthesia or mild sedation is used.
What You Can Expect:
During the procedure:
Bone marrow is typically aspirated from the pelvic bone using a needle.
The marrow is processed in a centrifuge to concentrate stem cells and growth factors.
The B-MAC is then injected into the target area under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance.
Duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours (including preparation and recovery)
After the procedure:
Mild pain or soreness at the aspiration or injection site
Instructions to limit activity for a few days
Gradual return to normal function over weeks
Physical Therapy:
Physical therapy is often part of the recovery plan:
Initial phase (first 1–2 weeks): Gentle range-of-motion and pain management
Mid-phase (2–6 weeks): Strengthening exercises, gradual load-bearing
Late phase (6+ weeks): Functional rehab, sport-specific or daily activity training
The goal is to support tissue healing and restore optimal movement without overloading the treated area.
Results:
Outcomes vary depending on the condition being treated and the patient’s overall health, but many patients report:
Reduced pain and inflammation
Improved mobility and function
Faster recovery than with surgery alone
Delaying or avoiding joint replacement in early arthritis