For selected shoulder conditions, bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) may provide another way to support the body's natural healing response. Dr. Thon uses BMAC selectively, based on the underlying diagnosis, the extent of tissue damage, and whether a regenerative approach is appropriate before surgery.
What Is BMAC for Shoulder Conditions?
Bone marrow aspirate concentrate, or BMAC, is a biologic treatment made from a small sample of your own bone marrow. The sample is processed to concentrate its cellular and signaling components before being used as part of treatment.
BMAC is not a synthetic medication and it is not the same thing as an injection of isolated stem cells. It contains a mixture of cells and other components found in bone marrow that may contribute to the body's healing and repair response.
The purpose is not simply to provide temporary pain relief. BMAC is intended to support the biological environment around tissue that is injured or degenerative. Whether that makes sense for you depends on what is actually causing your shoulder pain.
What To Expect
How BMAC May Help the Shoulder
BMAC may be considered for selected conditions involving:
- Rotator cuff tendon damage or selected tears
- Tendinopathy or other chronic tendon problems
- Certain cartilage or degenerative conditions
- Shoulder problems where tissue healing is a concern
- Selected patients who want to explore a regenerative option before surgery
The evidence for BMAC in shoulder treatment is still developing. Research on BMAC used alongside rotator cuff repair has reported potentially favorable healing and functional outcomes in some studies, but studies differ substantially in how BMAC is prepared and used, and more research is needed to determine which patients benefit most.
That is why Dr. Thon does not recommend BMAC simply because a patient has shoulder pain. The underlying diagnosis matters.
Am I a Candidate?
BMAC may be worth considering if:
- Your shoulder problem involves tissue damage that may have the potential to respond to biologic treatment
- You have persistent symptoms despite appropriate nonsurgical care
- You are interested in exploring a regenerative option before surgery, when surgery is not immediately necessary
- Your examination and imaging identify a reasonable target for treatment
- You understand that BMAC is not guaranteed to repair significant structural damage
BMAC may not be the right fit if:
- You have a major tear that requires definitive surgical repair
- You have advanced shoulder arthritis requiring joint replacement
- You have significant weakness or loss of function from structural damage
- Your symptoms are unlikely to respond to a biologic treatment
Dr. Thon will evaluate your shoulder and tell you honestly whether BMAC has a realistic role in your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding BMAC
BMAC is not a guaranteed way to heal a significant rotator cuff tear on its own. Research is still developing on its role in rotator cuff treatment, including its use as an adjunct to surgical repair.
There is no simple answer. The two treatments are different, and the best option depends on the condition being treated. Dr. Thon will recommend a treatment based on your specific shoulder problem rather than choosing one biologic treatment for everyone.
Sometimes a regenerative treatment may be reasonable before surgery, but not every shoulder problem can be treated this way. A significant tear, advanced arthritis, or other structural problem may require surgery.
If you do not improve as expected, Dr. Thon can reassess the diagnosis and discuss other treatment options. Trying an appropriate regenerative treatment does not necessarily mean that surgery is off the table later.
BMAC is intended to support a gradual biological response, so improvement is generally not immediate. Your timeline depends on the condition being treated and your individual response.
Rehabilitation may be an important part of recovery. The timing and intensity depend on what was treated and how much protection your shoulder needs.
Get an honest answer about whether BMAC is right for you, from a surgeon who can offer every option.
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