Bone marrow is the part of the body where blood is produced. Bone marrow concentrate (BMC) is made by first collecting bone marrow aspirate from a large bone such as the pelvic bone.
Bone marrow is the soft, spongy substance that fills the inner cavities of bones. It is where blood is produced.
Tiny spaces in the bone marrow hold blood and stem cells, the primitive cells that are able to grow into various types of blood cells. Under certain conditions, some of these stem cells can also create new tissue like bone, cartilage, fat and blood vessels.
BMC, also known as bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), is a fluid containing cells taken from bone marrow.
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The first step in producing BMC is to collect bone marrow aspirate through a minimally invasive method that uses a needle to remove bone marrow from a large bone, such as the pelvic bone. The procedure is generally done under local anesthesia, sedation or with general anesthesia. The aspirate is then put through processing that uses a centrifuge. Bone marrow processing methods vary widely and can affect the number and quality of cells, especially in terms of useful stem and progenitor cells.
Risks are rare, but may include:
Experts are still determining how BMC will work within the body (mechanism of action), as well as how well it will work (clinical efficacy). However, experts do believe that BMC decreases (modulates) inflammation and it can potentially help new tissue form.
BMC may:
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/18/2019.
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