Intra-articular Autologous Bone Marrow Aspirate Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis

Inclusion criteria

• >=3 months of symptomatic knee OA unresponsive to at least two of the following: activity modification, physical therapy, bracing, assistive devices, acupuncture, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, local steroid injections, and hyaluronic acid injections
• Radiographically confirmed Kellgren-Lawrence I-II knee OA (mild knee OA; no bone-on-bone)
• Age 18-79 years

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of loose bodies on baseline magnetic resonance imaging
• Clinically and radiologically confirmed anterior/posterior cruciate ligament deficiences
• History of meniscal injury other than degenerative meniscal tears
• Previous knee surgery
• Presence of a degenerative meniscal tear causing mechanical symptoms such as locking, buckling, or give-way
• Intra-articular injection to affected knee within 6 weeks of intra-articular BMA injection
• Mechanical axis deviation greater than 7 degrees
• Intolerance to acetaminophen or hydrocodone (i.e., Vicodin)
• Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs <1 weeks prior to BMA
• Injection of the joint scheduled for treatment within 3 months of BMA injection
• Body mass index of 30 or more
• History of drug abuse
• Current cigarette smokers
• Current use of systemic steroids
• History of or current alcohol abuse or dependence
• History of anemia, bleeding disorders, or inflammatory joint disease
• Active infection
• Active malignancy per medical or surgical history, diagnosed by primary case physician or treating specialist, undergoing treatment, has undergone treatment, or has declined treatment
• Inability to refrain from statin regimen from 1 month pre-injection to 1 month post-injection
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding at time of treatment
• Participating or planning to participate in a worker's compensation program at the time of treatment or follow-up period
• Pending or planned legal action pertaining to knee pain
• Non-English speaking