Biologic Injection For Adults With Lumbar Disc Herniation (BMAC)

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Injection With MRI's - A Prospective Randomized Control Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to find out whether adding a bone-marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injection during surgery can improve recovery in adults undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy for a lumbar disc herniation.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

  • Does the BMAC injection lead to better disc tissue health after surgery (as seen on MRI scans)?
  • Does the BMAC injection lead to greater improvement in pain and disability compared to surgery alone?

Participants will be adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for lumbar microdiscectomy surgery.

Researchers will compare one group of participants receiving the standard-of-care surgery plus the BMAC injection with another group receiving the same surgery without the injection to see if the injection offers added benefit.

Participants will:

  • Have surgery (microdiscectomy) with or without the injection.
  • Complete pain and disability questionnaires at several times over 2 years.
  • Undergo MRI scans at baseline and follow-up to assess disc structure and tissue health.
  • Provide samples of leftover disc or bone-marrow tissue (as applicable) from surgery for analysis.

Study Overview

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

90

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact Backup

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Male or female patients ≥ 18 years of age
  • Clinically and/or radiographically (MRI) confirmed diagnosis of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, lumbar disc herniation, and indication for lumbar microdiscectomy surgery
  • Unresponsive to conservative/non-operative treatment for >3 months
  • Psychosocial, mental and physical ability to understand and to adhere to this protocol, especially adhering to the visit schedule follow-ups and observe the treatment plan

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Prisoners
  • Individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children, teenagers)
  • Individuals who are not able to clearly understand English
  • Adults with diminished capacity to consent
  • Major cognitive impairment causing to inability to understand and provide informed consent
  • Active malignancy
  • Active chronic or acute infection
  • Autoimmune disorder that impacts the lumbar spine (ankylosing spondylitis, lupus e.g.)
  • Bone marrow-derived or non-bone marrow-derived cancer
  • Low platelet count or clotting disorders
  • Prior surgery at the level to be treated or the adjacent level

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Active Comparator: BMAC Group
Administration of one 1-2cc intradiscal Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) injection during lumbar microdiscectomy surgery.
Dosage Form: Autologous intradiscal injection Dosage: 1-2 cc's Frequency: Once, during surgery Duration: N/A
Other Names:
  • Bone Marrow Aspirate (BMA)
  • Bone Marrow Aspirate Stem Cell Concentrate (BMAC)
  • Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC)
No Intervention: Control Group
Standard of care lumbar microdiscectomy surgery without the BMAC injection.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change from Baseline in Intervertebral Disc Hydration at 3 Months
Time Frame: Baseline and 3 Months post-operation
MRI T2 mapping and T2 relaxation time are advanced imaging techniques that help assess the hydration status of intervertebral discs. These two metrics will be combined as one data point. T2 relaxation time measures the decay of the MRI signal, which is influenced by the water content in the disc. Higher T2 values indicate better hydration, while lower T2 values suggest dehydration and degeneration. T2 mapping provides a detailed, quantitative assessment of the disc's water content, allowing for early detection of degenerative changes before they become visible on standard MRI images. This information is crucial for diagnosing the extent of disc degeneration, planning surgical interventions, and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments aimed at restoring disc health.
Baseline and 3 Months post-operation
Change from Baseline in Intervertebral Disc Hydration at 1 Year
Time Frame: Baseline and 1 year post-operation
MRI T2 mapping and T2 relaxation time are advanced imaging techniques that help assess the hydration status of intervertebral discs. These two metrics will be combined as one data point. T2 relaxation time measures the decay of the MRI signal, which is influenced by the water content in the disc. Higher T2 values indicate better hydration, while lower T2 values suggest dehydration and degeneration. T2 mapping provides a detailed, quantitative assessment of the disc's water content, allowing for early detection of degenerative changes before they become visible on standard MRI images. This information is crucial for diagnosing the extent of disc degeneration, planning surgical interventions, and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments aimed at restoring disc health.
Baseline and 1 year post-operation
Change from Baseline in Intervertebral Disc Hydration at 2 Years
Time Frame: Baseline and 2 years post-operation
MRI T2 mapping and T2 relaxation time are advanced imaging techniques that help assess the hydration status of intervertebral discs. These two metrics will be combined as one data point. T2 relaxation time measures the decay of the MRI signal, which is influenced by the water content in the disc. Higher T2 values indicate better hydration, while lower T2 values suggest dehydration and degeneration. T2 mapping provides a detailed, quantitative assessment of the disc's water content, allowing for early detection of degenerative changes before they become visible on standard MRI images. This information is crucial for diagnosing the extent of disc degeneration, planning surgical interventions, and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments aimed at restoring disc health.
Baseline and 2 years post-operation
Change from Baseline in Proteoglycan Content at 3 Months
Time Frame: From enrollment to 3 Months post-operation
MRI T1 rho mapping and T1 rho relaxation time are advanced imaging techniques that provide insights into the biochemical composition of intervertebral discs, particularly the proteoglycan content. T1 rho relaxation time measures the decay of the MRI signal in the presence of a spin-lock pulse, which is sensitive to interactions between water molecules and macromolecules like proteoglycans. These two metrics will be combined as one data point. Higher T1 rho values indicate higher proteoglycan content and better disc hydration, while lower values suggest degeneration and reduced proteoglycan levels. T1 rho mapping offers a detailed, quantitative assessment of these biochemical changes, allowing for early detection of disc degeneration and aiding in the evaluation of treatment efficacy.
From enrollment to 3 Months post-operation
Change from Baseline in Proteoglycan Content at 1 Year
Time Frame: From enrollment to 1 year post-operation
MRI T1 rho mapping and T1 rho relaxation time are advanced imaging techniques that provide insights into the biochemical composition of intervertebral discs, particularly the proteoglycan content. T1 rho relaxation time measures the decay of the MRI signal in the presence of a spin-lock pulse, which is sensitive to interactions between water molecules and macromolecules like proteoglycans. These two metrics will be combined as one data point. Higher T1 rho values indicate higher proteoglycan content and better disc hydration, while lower values suggest degeneration and reduced proteoglycan levels. T1 rho mapping offers a detailed, quantitative assessment of these biochemical changes, allowing for early detection of disc degeneration and aiding in the evaluation of treatment efficacy.
From enrollment to 1 year post-operation
Change from Baseline in Proteoglycan Content at 2 Years
Time Frame: From enrollment to 2 years post-operation
MRI T1 rho mapping and T1 rho relaxation time are advanced imaging techniques that provide insights into the biochemical composition of intervertebral discs, particularly the proteoglycan content. T1 rho relaxation time measures the decay of the MRI signal in the presence of a spin-lock pulse, which is sensitive to interactions between water molecules and macromolecules like proteoglycans. These two metrics will be combined as one data point. Higher T1 rho values indicate higher proteoglycan content and better disc hydration, while lower values suggest degeneration and reduced proteoglycan levels. T1 rho mapping offers a detailed, quantitative assessment of these biochemical changes, allowing for early detection of disc degeneration and aiding in the evaluation of treatment efficacy.
From enrollment to 2 years post-operation
Change from Baseline in Disc Height Index at 3 Months
Time Frame: From enrollment to 3 months post-operation
Assessed via MRI, the Disc Height Index (DHI) is a measurement used in spine surgery to assess the height of an intervertebral disc. It is calculated by dividing the height of the disc at the mid-vertebral line by the height of the superior vertebral body. This index helps in evaluating the degree of disc degeneration and is often used to monitor changes before and after surgical interventions.
From enrollment to 3 months post-operation
Change from Baseline in Disc Height Index at 1 Year
Time Frame: From enrollment to 1 year post-operation
Assessed via MRI, the Disc Height Index (DHI) is a measurement used in spine surgery to assess the height of an intervertebral disc. It is calculated by dividing the height of the disc at the mid-vertebral line by the height of the superior vertebral body. This index helps in evaluating the degree of disc degeneration and is often used to monitor changes before and after surgical interventions.
From enrollment to 1 year post-operation
Change from Baseline in Disc Height Index at 2 Years
Time Frame: From enrollment to 2 years post-operation
Assessed via MRI, the Disc Height Index (DHI) is a measurement used in spine surgery to assess the height of an intervertebral disc. It is calculated by dividing the height of the disc at the mid-vertebral line by the height of the superior vertebral body. This index helps in evaluating the degree of disc degeneration and is often used to monitor changes before and after surgical interventions.
From enrollment to 2 years post-operation
Change from Baseline in Pfirrmann Grade at 3 Months
Time Frame: From enrollment to 3 months post-operation

Assessed via MRI, Pfirrmann grading is a radiological classification used to assess the severity of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration. It categorizes disc degeneration into five grades based on specific criteria related to the appearance of the discs:

Grade I: Normal disc with high signal intensity and well-defined nucleus and annulus.

Grade II: Slightly degenerated disc with a normal height but a lower signal intensity in the nucleus.

Grade III: Moderate degeneration with a loss of disc height and a more pronounced decrease in signal intensity.

Grade IV: Severe degeneration with significant loss of disc height and a very low signal intensity.

Grade V: End-stage degeneration with a collapsed disc and no visible nucleus

From enrollment to 3 months post-operation
Change from Baseline in Pfirrmann Grade at 1 Year
Time Frame: From enrollment to 1 year post-operation

Assessed via MRI, Pfirrmann grading is a radiological classification used to assess the severity of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration. It categorizes disc degeneration into five grades based on specific criteria related to the appearance of the discs:

Grade I: Normal disc with high signal intensity and well-defined nucleus and annulus.

Grade II: Slightly degenerated disc with a normal height but a lower signal intensity in the nucleus.

Grade III: Moderate degeneration with a loss of disc height and a more pronounced decrease in signal intensity.

Grade IV: Severe degeneration with significant loss of disc height and a very low signal intensity.

Grade V: End-stage degeneration with a collapsed disc and no visible nucleus

From enrollment to 1 year post-operation
Change from Baseline in Pfirrmann Grade at 2 Years
Time Frame: From enrollment to 2 years post-operation

Assessed via MRI, Pfirrmann grading is a radiological classification used to assess the severity of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration. It categorizes disc degeneration into five grades based on specific criteria related to the appearance of the discs:

Grade I: Normal disc with high signal intensity and well-defined nucleus and annulus.

Grade II: Slightly degenerated disc with a normal height but a lower signal intensity in the nucleus.

Grade III: Moderate degeneration with a loss of disc height and a more pronounced decrease in signal intensity.

Grade IV: Severe degeneration with significant loss of disc height and a very low signal intensity.

Grade V: End-stage degeneration with a collapsed disc and no visible nucleus

From enrollment to 2 years post-operation
Change from Baseline in Nucleus Pulposus Size at 3 Months
Time Frame: From enrollment to 3 months post-operation
The Nucleus Pulposus is the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc, surrounded by the tougher annulus fibrosus. It plays a crucial role in absorbing shock and allowing flexibility in the spine. Assessed via MRI, the size and condition of the nucleus pulposus are indicators of disc health. A healthy nucleus pulposus is typically well-hydrated and maintains disc height, while a degenerated nucleus pulposus may shrink and lose its cushioning ability.
From enrollment to 3 months post-operation
Change from Baseline in Nucleus Pulposus Size at 1 Year
Time Frame: From enrollment to 1 year post-operation
The Nucleus Pulposus is the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc, surrounded by the tougher annulus fibrosus. It plays a crucial role in absorbing shock and allowing flexibility in the spine. Assessed via MRI, the size and condition of the nucleus pulposus are indicators of disc health. A healthy nucleus pulposus is typically well-hydrated and maintains disc height, while a degenerated nucleus pulposus may shrink and lose its cushioning ability.
From enrollment to 1 year post-operation
Change from Baseline in Nucleus Pulposus Size at 2 Years
Time Frame: From enrollment to 2 years post-operation
The Nucleus Pulposus is the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc, surrounded by the tougher annulus fibrosus. It plays a crucial role in absorbing shock and allowing flexibility in the spine. Assessed via MRI, the size and condition of the nucleus pulposus are indicators of disc health. A healthy nucleus pulposus is typically well-hydrated and maintains disc height, while a degenerated nucleus pulposus may shrink and lose its cushioning ability.
From enrollment to 2 years post-operation
Change from Baseline in NOCISCORE at 3 Months
Time Frame: From enrollment to 3 months post-operation

Assessed via MRI, decreases in pain biomarkers within the intervertebral disc will be measured using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). MRS is non-invasive. The data is analyzed and summarized in a NOCIGRAM report, which provides an objective analysis of the pain biomarkers observed during a preoperative MRI scan.

The NOCISCORE measures six biomarker ratios associated with pain generation for each disc. The scores for each disc level are categorized into NOCI+, Mild, and NOCI-, from most 'painful' to 'least painful' levels.

From enrollment to 3 months post-operation
Change from Baseline in NOCISCORE at 1 Year
Time Frame: From enrollment to 1 year post-operation

Assessed via MRI, decreases in pain biomarkers within the intervertebral disc will be measured using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). MRS is non-invasive. The data is analyzed and summarized in a NOCIGRAM report, which provides an objective analysis of the pain biomarkers observed during a preoperative MRI scan.

The NOCISCORE measures six biomarker ratios associated with pain generation for each disc. The scores for each disc level are categorized into NOCI+, Mild, and NOCI-, from most 'painful' to 'least painful' levels.

From enrollment to 1 year post-operation
Change from Baseline in NOCISCORE at 2 Years
Time Frame: From enrollment to 2 years post-operation

Assessed via MRI, decreases in pain biomarkers within the intervertebral disc will be measured using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). MRS is non-invasive. The data is analyzed and summarized in a NOCIGRAM report, which provides an objective analysis of the pain biomarkers observed during a preoperative MRI scan.

The NOCISCORE measures six biomarker ratios associated with pain generation for each disc. The scores for each disc level are categorized into NOCI+, Mild, and NOCI-, from most 'painful' to 'least painful' levels.

From enrollment to 2 years post-operation

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change from Baseline in Patient Reported Pain at 3 Months
Time Frame: From enrollment to 3 Months post-operation
The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) is one of the most commonly used pain scales in medicine. It can be administered verbally or self-administered on paper. Zero is equivalent to no pain and 10 indicates the worst possible pain.
From enrollment to 3 Months post-operation
Change from Baseline in Patient Reported Pain at 6 Months
Time Frame: From enrollment to 6 Months post-operation
The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) is one of the most commonly used pain scales in medicine. It can be administered verbally or self-administered on paper. Zero is equivalent to no pain and 10 indicates the worst possible pain.
From enrollment to 6 Months post-operation
Change from Baseline in Patient Reported Pain at 1 Year
Time Frame: From enrollment to 1 Year post-operation
The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) is one of the most commonly used pain scales in medicine. It can be administered verbally or self-administered on paper. Zero is equivalent to no pain and 10 indicates the worst possible pain.
From enrollment to 1 Year post-operation
Change from Baseline in Patient Reported Pain at 2 Years
Time Frame: From enrollment to 2 years post-operation
The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) is one of the most commonly used pain scales in medicine. It can be administered verbally or self-administered on paper. Zero is equivalent to no pain and 10 indicates the worst possible pain.
From enrollment to 2 years post-operation
Change from Baseline in Patient Reported Disability at 3 Months
Time Frame: From enrollment to 3 Months post-operation
The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is a self-administered questionnaire divided into ten sections designed to assess limitations in various aspects of daily living activities. Each section is scored from 0 to 5, where 0 indicates no disability and 5 indicates maximum disability. The total score is calculated as a percentage ranging from 0% (no disability) to 100% (maximum disability).
From enrollment to 3 Months post-operation
Change from Baseline in Patient Reported Disability at 6 Months
Time Frame: From enrollment to 6 Months post-operation
The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is a self-administered questionnaire divided into ten sections designed to assess limitations in various aspects of daily living activities. Each section is scored from 0 to 5, where 0 indicates no disability and 5 indicates maximum disability. The total score is calculated as a percentage ranging from 0% (no disability) to 100% (maximum disability).
From enrollment to 6 Months post-operation
Change from Baseline in Patient Reported Disability at 1 Year
Time Frame: From enrollment to 1 year post-operation
The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is a self-administered questionnaire divided into ten sections designed to assess limitations in various aspects of daily living activities. Each section is scored from 0 to 5, where 0 indicates no disability and 5 indicates maximum disability. The total score is calculated as a percentage ranging from 0% (no disability) to 100% (maximum disability).
From enrollment to 1 year post-operation
Change from Baseline in Patient Reported Disability at 2 Years
Time Frame: From enrollment to 2 years post-operation
The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is a self-administered questionnaire divided into ten sections designed to assess limitations in various aspects of daily living activities. Each section is scored from 0 to 5, where 0 indicates no disability and 5 indicates maximum disability. The total score is calculated as a percentage ranging from 0% (no disability) to 100% (maximum disability).
From enrollment to 2 years post-operation
Change from Baseline in SI-Score at 3 Months
Time Frame: From enrollment to 3 months post-operation

Assessed via MRI, decreases in pain biomarkers within the intervertebral disc will be measured using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). MRS is non-invasive. The data is analyzed and summarized in a NOCIGRAM report, which provides an objective analysis of the pain biomarkers observed during a preoperative MRI scan.

The SI-Score (Structural Integrity Score) reflects the relative amounts of proteoglycan between discs as an indication of relative structural integrity between the discs on a scale from 0 to 1. Higher SI scores reflect higher relative values as compared between discs in the patient and do not necessarily reflect high structural integrity. A low SI score, corresponding to a lower structural integrity, is associated with more advanced degeneration (relative between discs).

From enrollment to 3 months post-operation
Change from Baseline in SI-Score at 1 Year
Time Frame: From enrollment to 1 year post-operation

Assessed via MRI, decreases in pain biomarkers within the intervertebral disc will be measured using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). MRS is non-invasive. The data is analyzed and summarized in a NOCIGRAM report, which provides an objective analysis of the pain biomarkers observed during a preoperative MRI scan.

The SI-Score (Structural Integrity Score) reflects the relative amounts of proteoglycan between discs as an indication of relative structural integrity between the discs on a scale from 0 to 1. Higher SI scores reflect higher relative values as compared between discs in the patient and do not necessarily reflect high structural integrity. A low SI score, corresponding to a lower structural integrity, is associated with more advanced degeneration (relative between discs).

From enrollment to 1 year post-operation
Change from Baseline in SI-Score at 2 Years
Time Frame: From enrollment to 2 years post-operation

Assessed via MRI, decreases in pain biomarkers within the intervertebral disc will be measured using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). MRS is non-invasive. The data is analyzed and summarized in a NOCIGRAM report, which provides an objective analysis of the pain biomarkers observed during a preoperative MRI scan.

The SI-Score (Structural Integrity Score) reflects the relative amounts of proteoglycan between discs as an indication of relative structural integrity between the discs on a scale from 0 to 1. Higher SI scores reflect higher relative values as compared between discs in the patient and do not necessarily reflect high structural integrity. A low SI score, corresponding to a lower structural integrity, is associated with more advanced degeneration (relative between discs).

From enrollment to 2 years post-operation

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Collaborators

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Roger Hartl, MD, NewYork Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

May 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

January 1, 2030

Study Completion (Estimated)

December 1, 2030

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

January 27, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

January 27, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

February 4, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

April 16, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

April 14, 2026

Last Verified

April 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

YES

IPD Plan Description

Individual participant data that underlie the results reported in this article, after deidentification (text, tables, figures, and appendices).

IPD Sharing Time Frame

Immediately following publication. No end date.

IPD Sharing Access Criteria

Anyone who wishes to access the data, for any purpose, may do so indefinitely at (Link to be included).

IPD Sharing Supporting Information Type

  • STUDY_PROTOCOL
  • SAP
  • ANALYTIC_CODE

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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