Can BMAC Help An Achilles Tendon Rupture? Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Benefits

What Is Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate?

Bone marrow is a substance found inside bones, and is the area of the body where the blood comes from. The bone marrow consists of stem cells that can develop into various cells or form new tissues. These cells include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) is a procedure to collect bone marrow aspirate. The stem cells obtained from this extraction can then be used to treat various conditions.

Time to extract

BMAC is a minimally invasive procedure done under local anesthesia. First, a needle is used to remove the bone marrow aspirate from the bone marrow. After extracting, the content is put through a process using a centrifuge where components are separated. The sample is then stored for future use.

Benefits of BMAC

Many healthcare experts believe that bone marrow aspirate concentrate has an important role in treating various conditions. BMAC has been shown to improve wound healing, tendon and cartilage function, and delay disease progression. BMAC has also demonstrated the ability to treat bone fractures, bone death, and osteoarthritis. This procedure treats conditions by generating new tissue.

Current approaches for tears

Achilles tendon rupture is an injury where the tendon at the back of the lower leg is torn. For mild cases, conservative treatment such as rest, ice, pain medication, and physical therapy is often recommended. For more severe cases, the doctor may recommend surgery and physical therapy. These standard treatments may help but do not always guarantee a good recovery. Therefore, researchers decided to dive into minimally invasive treatments such as BMAC to determine benefits.

Does BMAC help tendon tears?

Past studies have proven the capability of BMAC to treat many orthopedic conditions. A study was done on the use of bone marrow aspirate concentrate for Achilles tendon rupture. The study concluded that BMAC was effective in treating patients, and no adverse events were reported. However, further research is needed to determine the true efficacy of BMAC for tendon rupture.

Risks are unlikely

Currently, complications after BMAC therapy are uncommon. A recent study reported the frequency of adverse events after the procedure to be about 6%. Some possible risks include infection, bleeding, and persistent pain after the treatment. Most patients do not experience complications and can return to normal activities quickly.

Combination treatment

Although BMAC is effective in healing Achilles tendon conditions, researchers have further examined the effectiveness of combining BMAC with other treatments. Researchers have studied the effect of combining autologous adipose tissue complex with high-density platelet-rich plasma and BMAC. The outcome of this treatment was successful and also safe, efficient, and well-tolerated by patients.

Are you thinking of getting BMAC treatment?

Speak to a doctor if contemplating BMAC treatment for Achilles tendon rupture or any other condition. The healthcare provider can examine the patient and assess overall health before making a decision. A discussion of risks vs. benefits should take place before surgery is scheduled. With BMAC, orthopedic conditions can be managed safely and effectively.