Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC) in Dallas & Plano

Bone marrow concentrate (BMC) is a procedure that uses a concentrated sample of your own bone marrow, placed with imaging guidance into a painful joint, the bone beneath it, or both, as part of a joint preservation plan. At Regen Experts in Dallas and Plano, Deborah Westergaard, MD, a double board-certified physician, evaluates you first, tells you honestly whether BMC fits, and performs the procedure herself when it does. BMC is not right for everyone, results vary, and it cannot promise you will never need a joint replacement.

Request an evaluation Call 214-750-6200

Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. · Dallas and Plano · Treatment recommendations follow an evaluation.

• Double board-certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

• Fellowship-trained in interventional pain medicine; completed full Interventional Orthobiologics Foundation (IOF) training

• Ultrasound and live X-ray (fluoroscopic) guidance · In practice since 1989

Reviewed by Deborah Westergaard, MD — Nov 5, 2026

A physician-led evaluation, then a straight answer.

You have a full calendar and little patience for vague answers. At Regen Experts, the first step is a visit with the physician who would perform your procedure. She reviews your imaging with you, examines you, and explains what she sees, including when BMC is not the right next step.

A physician, not a handoff

Dr. Westergaard examines you herself, reviews your imaging with you, and personally performs any procedure she recommends. We are a physician-led practice, not a med spa.

An honest answer on candidacy

Your options may include BMC, a different treatment, rehabilitation, a surgical consultation, or no procedure at all. If you are not a good candidate, we will tell you.

Cost in writing before you schedule

Your evaluation is billed separately. If treatment is recommended, you receive an individualized written estimate before anything is scheduled.

How we explain cost →

What is bone marrow concentrate (BMC) and how does it work?

BMC is made from a small amount of your own bone marrow. The marrow is usually drawn from the back of the pelvic bone (the iliac crest) after the area is numbed, using image guidance. It is then processed in the office the same day to concentrate its cells and signaling proteins.

Dr. Westergaard can place the concentrate in different locations, depending on what your exam and imaging show:

• Into the joint (intra-articular): the fluid-filled joint space.

• Into the bone under the joint (interosseous, also called subchondral): targeted areas of bone beneath the cartilage.

• Nearby soft tissues: ligaments or tendons that contribute to the problem, when appropriate.

BMC is made from your own tissue, but it cannot grow you a new joint. How much people improve varies, and some people do not improve.

Is BMC a stem cell treatment?

This is the question we hear most, so here is a plain answer.

BMC is made from your own bone marrow. Marrow contains many kinds of cells and proteins, including stem cells among them. Some clinics advertise "stem cell injections" in ways that blur what product is used, where it comes from, and what it can realistically do.

BMC is not a manufactured stem-cell drug. It is not a donor or birth-tissue product sold as a vial of "stem cells." It is your own marrow, drawn and concentrated for use the same day, as part of a plan directed by your physician.

We call it bone marrow concentrate (BMC) because that is what it is. We do not promise that BMC will regrow cartilage, rebuild a joint, or replace the need for surgery.

If you are comparing clinics, ask: What exactly is injected? Is it my own tissue or someone else's? Who performs the procedure? What imaging guides it? What is included in the price?

Am I a candidate for BMC?

Only an in-person evaluation can answer that. These lists describe how Dr. Westergaard thinks about it.

You may be a good candidate if:

• You have arthritis or a joint injury, and your symptoms, exam and imaging suggest BMC could reasonably be part of a joint preservation plan

• Your joint is still reasonably stable and aligned

• You want to explore preserving your joint before considering replacement, understanding that no one can promise that outcome

• You can follow activity limits and rehabilitation after the procedure

• Your goal is less pain and better function, not a "new joint"

You are probably not a good candidate if:

• Your joint is collapsed, badly deformed, severely misaligned or unstable

• Your pain comes mainly from somewhere else, such as your back, a nerve, or a different structure

• You have an active infection, certain blood disorders, active cancer, or another condition that makes the procedure unsafe

• You cannot complete the imaging and evaluation we need

• You expect a guaranteed result

When surgery or joint replacement makes more sense: For some people, replacement or another surgery is the better choice, for example with advanced joint collapse, major deformity, a mechanical problem that needs surgical repair, or pain that limits daily life despite reasonable non-surgical care. Dr. Westergaard will tell you honestly if she thinks you should see a surgeon. Many patients who come for a second opinion leave with a recommendation not to have a procedure here.

An X-ray label such as "bone-on-bone" does not by itself decide yes or no. Alignment, stability, which structures are involved, your goals, and your imaging all matter. Bone marrow lesions on MRI can be relevant, but they are not required to be a candidate.

Not sure if you are a candidate? Start with an evaluation.

Bring your imaging and records. You will leave knowing what Dr. Westergaard sees and what your options are, including when the answer is no procedure.

Request an evaluation Call 214-750-6200

What is the difference between BMC into the joint and into the bone?

Into the joint (intra-articular)

Dr. Westergaard places BMC in the joint space using ultrasound or fluoroscopy (live X-ray). This approach targets the joint environment and may be appropriate when the joint itself contributes to symptoms.

Into the bone (intraosseous or subchondral)

When the examination and imaging suggest that bone beneath the cartilage contributes to symptoms, Dr. Westergaard may target that area with fluoroscopic guidance. If the plan also includes a joint injection, she may use ultrasound for that portion.

These are not interchangeable. Some patients are candidates for a joint injection only. Some are candidates for an into-the-bone approach, often combined with treatment of the joint. Dr. Westergaard bases the recommendation on your symptoms, exam and imaging together.

Research on treating the bone under the joint has come mostly from the knee. In one randomized study of people with arthritis in both knees, the same bone marrow concentrate was placed into the bone of one knee and injected into the joint of the other. Over long follow-up, fewer of the bone-treated knees went on to knee replacement [1]. It was one research group's study, techniques may differ from what any one clinic does today, and it cannot predict how any one person will do. It is one reason Dr. Westergaard looks at the bone, not only the joint space, when your exam and imaging support it.

Which joints can BMC be used for?

Dr. Westergaard performs BMC, including into-the-bone BMC when appropriate, on:

• Knees: the joint most often discussed for BMC and for into-the-bone approaches

• Hips

• Shoulders

• Ankles

People often come in with osteoarthritis, a joint injury, or pain that has not settled with rest, physical therapy, medication, or simpler injections. Spine orthobiologics are a separate part of the practice and are not covered on this page; ask at your evaluation if that is your concern.

What happens next if I book?

01 — Share your history and imaging

Bring your MRI, X-rays and records of what you have already tried, so the visit starts with what is already known.

02 — Meet Dr. Westergaard

She reviews your images with you, examines you, and explains what she believes is driving your pain. You learn whether BMC, a different orthobiologic option such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), another non-surgical path, a surgical consultation, or no procedure fits you.

03 — Review your written estimate

If treatment is recommended, you receive an individualized written estimate before anything is scheduled. Nothing is booked from a website menu.

04 — Procedure day, if you both decide it is right

The skin and bone over the back of the pelvis are numbed, and marrow is drawn with a needle under image guidance. Most patients feel pressure. Sedation options are discussed ahead of time. The marrow is processed in the office, and Dr. Westergaard places the concentrate into the planned targets using ultrasound and/or fluoroscopy. Plan on several hours at the office and have someone drive you home.

Request an evaluation Call 214-750-6200

What is recovery really like after BMC?

We would rather you plan accurately than be surprised.

• Soreness at the collection site and the treated joint is common for several days to a couple of weeks.

• Depending on the joint and whether bone was treated, you may need crutches, a brace, or limits on weight-bearing for a short time.

• You will usually be asked to avoid anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen) for a period before and after the procedure, because they may interfere with healing. Dr. Westergaard gives you a specific plan.

• A gradual return to activity, often with physical therapy, is part of recovery.

• Any improvement tends to happen gradually, over weeks to months. Results vary, and some people do not improve.

• Ask at your evaluation how much lighter activity or time away from work to plan for your joint and your job.

Risks include pain, bleeding, bruising, infection, nerve irritation, and a temporary increase in symptoms. These and other risks are reviewed with you before you decide.

Who performs the procedure?

Deborah Westergaard, MD evaluates every patient and performs the procedures herself.

• Board-certified in Anesthesiology and in Pain Medicine

• Accredited Pain Medicine fellowship at Texas Tech University, training under Drs. Racz, Raj and Day

• Anesthesiology residency, UT Southwestern Medical Center

• MD, LSU School of Medicine

• Completed full Interventional Orthobiologics Foundation (IOF) training

• Regenexx network affiliate since 2024

• Ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance

Read Dr. Westergaard's full background →

How does BMC cost work, and is it covered by insurance?

Costs start with an individualized plan, not a menu price. Your evaluation is billed separately. If BMC or another procedure is recommended, you receive a written estimate before treatment is scheduled, so you can review what is included and decide without pressure.

What shapes your estimate:

• The treatment recommended: PRP and BMC each have their own collection and processing needs.

• The structures treated: the number and location of treatment targets.

• The complete plan: imaging guidance and follow-up arrangements.

Orthobiologic procedures like BMC are generally not covered by insurance, and Regen Experts is a cash-pay practice for them. We accept major credit cards. CareCredit financing is available, subject to credit approval. For FSA eligibility, check with your plan administrator.

Treatment estimates are not provided by phone before you have been evaluated, because the treatment name alone does not describe the scope of care. Prices listed elsewhere may not reflect the total cost of your recommended treatment, so ask any practice what its price includes.

How we explain cost →

Frequently asked questions

What is bone marrow concentrate (BMC)?

BMC is a concentrated sample of your own bone marrow, usually drawn from the back of the pelvis and processed the same day. It can be placed into a joint, into the bone under a joint, or both, based on your evaluation.

Is BMC a stem cell treatment?

BMC is made from your own bone marrow and contains many types of cells and proteins, including stem cells among other components. It is not a manufactured stem-cell drug. We call it bone marrow concentrate because that is what it is. We do not promise it will regrow cartilage or rebuild a joint.

Who performs the procedure?

Deborah Westergaard, MD. She reviews your imaging, examines you, and performs the procedure herself when BMC is appropriate. She is board-certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine and completed full Interventional Orthobiologics Foundation training.

Is Regen Experts a med spa?

No. Regen Experts is a physician-led practice. Every patient is evaluated by Dr. Westergaard, who also performs the procedures.

What is the difference between injecting into the joint and into the bone?

Into-the-joint BMC goes into the joint space. Into-the-bone (interosseous or subchondral) BMC goes into targeted areas of bone under the cartilage. They address different parts of the joint, and your evaluation determines which, if either, fits you.

Do I need bone marrow lesions on MRI to be a candidate?

No. Bone marrow lesions can be a relevant finding, but they are not required. Candidacy is based on your symptoms, exam and imaging together.

Will BMC keep me from needing a joint replacement?

No one can promise that. For some people, BMC is part of a plan aimed at less pain and better function while they still have a usable joint. Some patients still go on to have surgery. If replacement is the better option for you, Dr. Westergaard will say so.

What is recovery like after BMC?

Soreness at the collection site and the treated joint is common for several days to a couple of weeks. You may need crutches, a brace, or limits on weight-bearing for a short time, and improvement usually develops over weeks to months. Results vary, and some people do not improve. Dr. Westergaard gives you a specific plan for your joint.

Is BMC covered by insurance?

Orthobiologic procedures like BMC are generally not covered by insurance. Regen Experts is a cash-pay practice for them. After your evaluation you receive an individualized written estimate before treatment is scheduled. CareCredit financing is available, subject to credit approval.

When will I know what BMC costs?

After your evaluation. Dr. Westergaard identifies which structures need treatment and which orthobiologic would be used, and then you receive a written estimate before scheduling. Treatment estimates are not provided by phone before you have been evaluated.

Where do you perform BMC?

Regen Experts sees patients at 4228 N Central Expressway, Suite 101, Dallas, TX 75206, and 1400 Preston Road, Suite 120, Plano, TX 75093. Staff confirm which office is best when you schedule.

Care in Dallas and Plano.

Dallas: 4228 N. Central Expressway, Suite 101, Dallas, TX 75206 · Dallas office Plano: 1400 Preston Road, Suite 120, Plano, TX 75093 · Plano office Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. · 214-750-6200

Get a clear answer about your joint and your options.

If joint pain is limiting how you work, travel and spend your time, a detailed evaluation can show you what is going on and what your choices are. BMC may or may not be one of them.

Request an evaluation Call 214-750-6200

This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Treatment recommendations require an in-person evaluation. Results vary, and no outcome can be guaranteed.

Reviewed by Deborah Westergaard, MD — Nov 5, 2026

References

• Hernigou P, Bouthors C, Bastard C, et al. Subchondral bone or intra-articular injection of bone marrow concentrate mesenchymal stem cells in bilateral knee osteoarthritis: what better postpone knee arthroplasty at fifteen years? A randomized study. Int Orthop. 2021;45(2):391-399. doi:10.1007/s00264-020-04687-7. PubMed 32617651.