Are You Too Old for Regenerative Therapy? What the Research Says

Aging is a natural part of life, but joint pain doesn’t have to be. Today’s regenerative options, such as Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC), offer new hope for preserving hip function and mobility, especially for those looking to delay or avoid major surgery. Here’s why your condition—not your age—is the most important factor when considering BMAC therapy.

Age Is a Factor—But Not a Barrier

It’s true that as we age, the body’s natural ability to heal and regenerate slows down. However, many older adults still respond well to orthobiologic treatments like BMAC. Rather than focusing solely on age, physicians consider the overall health of the joint, severity of symptoms, and patient goals when determining candidacy.

How Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrates Work for Older Adults

BMAC is a minimally invasive procedure that involves collecting bone marrow—typically from the pelvic bone—processing it to concentrate its cellular and growth factor content, and then injecting it directly into the affected joint. The goal is to tap into the body’s own repair mechanisms to:

• Reduce inflammation
• Support tissue repair
• Slow cartilage degeneration
• Relieve joint pain and improve mobility

Though regenerative capacity may decline with age, BMAC still contains important biological components—including platelets, cytokines, and progenitor cells—that can help stimulate healing and modulate inflammation in your joint.

Supporting Research

Emerging clinical studies support the use of bone marrow-derived orthobiologics for joint conditions like osteoarthritis. Research has shown improvements in pain, function, and quality of life, even among older adults.¹ While outcomes vary, BMAC has shown promise in slowing the progression of joint degeneration and reducing reliance on surgical interventions.

Who’s an Ideal Candidate?

The best candidates for BMAC therapy are not chosen by age alone. Instead, physicians look at the stage of joint disease, activity level, and overall health. BMAC may be a good option for:

• Patients with early to moderate hip osteoarthritis
• Those with focal cartilage damage or labral injuries
• Individuals seeking alternatives to joint replacement surgery
• Older adults aiming to maintain mobility and delay more invasive procedures

At the American Hip Institute’s Chicago Stem Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, we tailor advanced regenerative biologic treatments to your specific needs—helping you preserve native hip anatomy and maintain your activity level longer.

AUTHOR: Mark F. Schinsky, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstructive surgery, with a focus on hip and knee replacement. He has extensive expertise in minimally invasive techniques, complex primary procedures, and revision total joint replacements, using the latest surgical technologies and biologics to improve outcomes and recovery.

Reference:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38948376//