Regenerative medicine
Regenerative Medicine: PRP & BMAC
Autologous orthobiologic options with transparent evidence
Platelet-rich plasma and bone marrow aspirate concentrate use processed material from the patient's own body and may be considered for selected tendon, joint, or spine-related conditions after a diagnosis-specific discussion.
This guide is educational and cannot determine candidacy. Every treatment has limitations and risks, and outcomes are not guaranteed. A clinician must review your diagnosis, health history, imaging, medicines, and goals.
What it targets
A procedure built for a particular pain mechanism.
PRP concentrates platelets from a blood draw; BMAC concentrates a mixed population of cells and signaling components from bone marrow, commonly harvested from the pelvis. The material is injected into a selected target under image guidance. These therapies may influence the local inflammatory and healing environment, but should not be described as guaranteed tissue regeneration or as a cure.
Who may be evaluated
Candidacy begins with diagnostic fit.
Evidence and preparation protocols differ by condition. The decision must start with a defined diagnosis, realistic goals, and a comparison with better-established options—not with the existence of a biologic product.
Clinical considerations
- Selected chronic tendinopathies or mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis
- Certain disc, facet, or SI-joint pain presentations only after careful diagnostic confirmation
- Persistent symptoms despite appropriate rehabilitation and other conservative care
- No active infection, uncontrolled blood disorder, or other biologic-procedure contraindication
- Understanding that insurance often does not cover PRP or BMAC and that response is variable
Evaluation may include
- Condition-specific history, examination, and functional assessment
- X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound to confirm target pathology and severity
- Medication review, including medicines that affect platelets or bleeding
- Discussion of preparation method, evidence quality, alternatives, cost, and post-procedure rehabilitation
How it is performed
The procedure, step by step.
Autologous collection
PRP begins with a venous blood draw. BMAC begins with bone marrow aspiration, usually from the pelvic iliac crest under local anesthetic.
Processing
The sample is centrifuged or otherwise processed to concentrate selected components using a sterile system.
Image-guided injection
The prepared PRP or BMAC is placed into the defined tendon, joint, or other target with ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance when appropriate.
After the procedure
Recovery, follow-up, and important risks.
Recovery & follow-up
- Localized soreness, swelling, bruising, or a temporary pain increase is common.
- Activity is reduced initially and advanced through a diagnosis-specific rehabilitation plan.
- The physician may advise avoiding anti-inflammatory medication around the procedure; instructions must be individualized.
- Response is judged over weeks or months and may differ substantially among patients and conditions.
Risks & limitations
- Pain, bleeding, infection, nerve injury, or tissue irritation at the injection or harvest site
- BMAC-specific discomfort or complications at the pelvic harvest site
- Variable concentration and biologic composition across patients and preparation systems
- No improvement, uncertain durability, and financial cost when not covered
Alternatives to discuss
Evidence & technology
What is established—and what is still being studied.
Evidence in context
Evidence is condition-specific. PRP has meaningful support for some tendinopathies and knee osteoarthritis, while evidence for many spine applications and BMAC remains limited or mixed. Preparation methods are not standardized, insurance coverage is uncommon, and claims should remain proportional to the diagnosis-specific data.
Brands are examples, not endorsements
PRP and BMAC are autologous procedures, not exclusive commercial products. Processing kits differ, and a proprietary kit should not be used as shorthand for superior clinical results. These treatments must not be marketed as FDA-approved stem-cell cures.
Common questions
A useful conversation starts here.
Related patient guides
Compare nearby clinical pathways.
Bring the questions with you
Find out whether the diagnosis fits the treatment.
Request an evaluation at one of our three South Florida offices.