The method in brief

What it isA concentrate of bone marrow cells; the share of stem cells is small
How it is obtainedIliac crest aspiration under local anaesthesia or sedation, centrifugation; same-day procedure
Early hip necrosisInjected into the lesion with core decompression; in meta-analyses the risk of progression is lower than after decompression alone
Knee osteoarthritisSmall studies show less pain in some patients; no confirmed advantage over PRP
RecoverySoreness at the harvest site for a few days; load restrictions as advised by the doctor

Risks and limitations

  • Pain or haematoma at the harvest site, rarely infection.
  • In late necrosis with head collapse and in severe osteoarthritis BMAC does not replace joint replacement.
  • Considerably more expensive than PRP; usually self-paid.
  • Promises to “grow cartilage” or “save the joint in 70–80% of cases” without stage and source are a warning sign.

We send your images to several clinics and help you compare their offers. See also PRP, BMAC and MFAT compared.

Scientific evidence

Reviews and meta-analyses this page is based on:

  1. Keeling LE et al. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Am J Sports Med, 2022.
  2. Wang Z et al. Core decompression combined with autologous bone marrow stem cells versus core decompression alone for patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a meta-analysis. Int J Surg, 2019.
  3. Hohmann E et al. Microfragmented adipose tissue has no advantage over platelet-rich plasma and bone marrow aspirate injections for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Am J Sports Med, 2025.

Frequently asked questions about BMAC

Is BMAC stem cell therapy?
Partly: the concentrate contains mesenchymal cells, but few of them. They are not laboratory-expanded cells.
When does BMAC make most sense?
It is most often discussed in early femoral head necrosis together with core decompression. An orthopaedic surgeon decides based on MRI.
How long does the procedure take?
Usually 1–2 hours; you go home the same day.
How can RegenPAS help?
RegenPAS is a patient service centre in Munich, not a clinic. We review your images and symptoms and send a request to several partner clinics at once. Clinics that can accept you send their own conditions and price; prices differ between clinics, and you choose the option that suits you. The coordinator replies within 24 hours, and a clinic physician’s preliminary opinion follows in 1–3 business days. We then arrange the appointment, visa invitation, interpreter, transfers and accommodation. Treatment decisions are made by the clinic physician. Contact a coordinator.

Related conditions and treatments

Hip necrosisKnee osteoarthritisPRP, BMAC and SVFStem cellsPRP therapyAll treatments

Have you been offered BMAC? Send your MRI — we will get opinions from several clinics

Send your MRI or ultrasound and describe where and when it hurts. The coordinator replies within 24 hours; a clinic physician gives an opinion in 1–3 business days.

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