Bone marrow concentrate injection added to lumbar microdiscectomy
Official title: Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Injection With MRI's - A Prospective Randomized Control Trial
Run by Weill Medical College of Cornell University · NCT07386548 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether adding a bone marrow aspirate concentrate injection during lumbar microdiscectomy helps adults recover better than surgery alone.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Weill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Manhattan, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 30, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 2030 |
| Study ends | December 2030 |
| Registry record updated | July 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07386548 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18+ with degenerative lumbar spine disease or lumbar disc herniation scheduled for lumbar microdiscectomy who have not responded to conservative treatment for more than 3 months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without measurable improvements in disc health or symptom relief from BMAC may not experience additional benefit beyond standard surgery.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults aged 18 and older undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy for lumbar disc herniation are randomized to receive either standard surgery with a bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injection or standard surgery without the injection. The study uses MRI to assess disc tissue health after surgery and tracks pain and disability over a 2-year period. Outcomes focus on whether the BMAC injection provides added benefit beyond the surgical procedure itself. Participants are evaluated with questionnaires and MRIs at multiple time points to gauge recovery and disc integrity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the BMAC injection could improve disc health and reduce pain and disability after surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Prior approaches using biologic injections in spine surgery have shown mixed results, making this study an important test of feasibility and potential benefit in this specific setting.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where it's running
-
NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
Manhattan, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Roger Hartl, MD — NewYork Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine
- Study coordinator: Research Assistant
- Email: adr4017@med.cornell.edu
- Phone: 5163539723
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.