BMAC is an injectable biologic solution derived from the patient's own bone marrow. The bone marrow, a soft, spongy tissue found primarily in large bones, is a rich source of cells essential for tissue repair and regeneration.
BMAC contains a dense reservoir of:
The processing technique concentrates these regenerative cells to levels significantly higher (typically 5 to 10 times) than those found in regular bone marrow, providing a powerful cellular matrix to regenerate damaged tissue.
BMAC is a highly effective treatment because it delivers the raw building blocks required for complex tissue repair directly to the site of injury or degeneration.
When injected, the concentrated components of the BMAC solution perform two key functions:
Because BMAC addresses the root cause of the damage by providing foundational repair cells, it offers a more durable, long-lasting alternative to temporary steroid injections.
The BMAC procedure is a safe, minimally invasive, two-part treatment performed on a day case basis (at the Weymouth Hospital), typically taking between 60 to 90 minutes.
The procedure begins with the safe collection of the bone marrow aspirate.
The collected aspirate is immediately transferred to a dedicated, sterile lab system.
| BMAC (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate) | PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) |
Lipogems (Micro-Fragmented Fat) |
Arthrosamid (Long-Acting Hydrogel) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
What is it |
An advanced therapy using your own bone marrow, rich in "master" stem cells. |
A straightforward injection using concentrated healing factors (platelets) from your own blood. |
A method that uses a small amount of your own fat tissue, which contains important repair cells. | A synthetic, non-degradable polyacrylamide gel designed to stay in the joint. |
| How it works | Cellular Regeneration: The concentrated stem cells can turn into new cartilage or bone cells to rebuild damaged tissue. | Tissue Stimulation: The high concentration of platelets releases growth factors to aggressively trigger and speed up the body's natural repair process. | Biological Support: The fat tissue provides a supportive cushion and releases growth factors and cells that help fight inflammation. | Joint Volume: It mimics the viscosity of natural fluid, providing both shock-absorbing cushioning and smooth joint gliding. |
| Best for | Moderate to severe Osteoarthritis (OA). Structural bone issues like Avascular Necrosis (AVN) or non-healing fractures. | Mild to moderate OA. Chronic tendon or ligament injuries (e.g., Tennis Elbow, Achilles Tendinopathy). | Osteoarthritis in joints like the knee and ankle. Soft tissue damage where a structural cushion is beneficial. | Symptomatic knee Osteoarthritis (OA) where long-term symptomatic relief is the goal. |
| Longevity | Results can be sustained for a long time, with symptomatic relief reported up to four years. | Typically provides pain relief for 6 to 12 months. Effects can last 1–2 years for milder conditions. | Clinical improvements are generally sustained for up to 2 years, with best function reported around 9–12 months. | Proven to remain safe and effective, with pain reduction maintained up to five years after a single injection. |
| UK starting price | From £3,900 (single joint) | From £750 (single joint) | From £3,900 (single joint) | From £3,900 (single joint) |
BMAC is particularly effective for managing and treating:
Recovery is generally quick, though the healing process is gradual:
Both are regenerative therapies using autologous tissue. BMAC is considered more potent than PRP because, in addition to growth factors, it contains a concentration of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). This makes BMAC generally preferred for conditions involving significant cartilage or bone damage (e.g., moderate to severe arthritis or osteonecrosis), while PRP is often highly effective for milder arthritis and many tendon issues.
BMAC is a complex, specialised procedure. We will provide you with a comprehensive quote following your initial consultation, which covers the harvesting, processing, and injection under guidance. The price will be from £3,900 (single joint).
