Bone Marrow Concentrate
WHAT IS Bone marrow concentrate?
Bone marrow concentrate (BMC) is similar to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and involves the concentration of blood components from bone marrow, including many populations of cells such as stem cells. Platelets are also concentrated, which releases growth factors similar to PRP. The combination of growth factors and cells provides building blocks and stimulation for repair.
Stem cells extracted from bone marrow, along with many other natural cell populations, can stimulate repair through two distinct mechanisms: stem cells can attach to injured tissues and divide to become new tissue through a process called differentiation. Alternatively, stem cells can release proteins that communicate with cells in injured tissue, stimulating healing mechanisms within that tissue.
The term "stem cell" represents many different types of cells found throughout the body. These cells serve multiple functions to support the body and serve as a leadership role among cells, coordinating necessary types of cells to remove damaged tissue and restore healthy tissue.
WHAT'S UNIQUE ABOUT THIS PROCESS?
Progenitor cells are similar to stem cells but are slightly more limited in their abilities to become another type of cell. Unlike other forms of cell therapy, including PRP, the cells extracted from bone marrow cannot be separated and used on their own. Instead, they work together to produce a beneficial treatment effect. Using state-of-the-art processing facilities, the Karli Center concentrates these specialized cells, amplifying their capabilities so physicians can optimize each patient's treatment outcome.
A BMC treatment typically involves a small aspiration of myeloid tissue from the patient's hip bone. This marrow tissue is then concentrated using specialized equipment, after which it is injected into the area of injury or damage, often under image guidance to ensure accurate placement.
The entire procedure, from blood draw to injection, typically takes about an hour to an hour and a half.
Like PRP therapy, the cost of BMC therapy varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and the specific condition being treated. Costs generally range from $6,000 to $8000 per injection. Please note that insurance companies do not cover Regenerative Medicine, including BMC Therapy.