In this episode of The Sports Docs Podcast, Dr. Ashley Bassett and Dr. Catherine Logan sit down LIVE from the Arthrex Team Physician Controversies with orthobiologics expert Dr. Spencer Stein to discuss the real-world application of bone marrow concentrate (BMAC) in sports medicine.

The conversation focuses on how to effectively integrate orthobiologics into clinical and surgical practice, with a deep dive into the ANGEL System and Vortex Needle, emphasizing consistency, technique, and appropriate patient selection.

Where BMAC Fits in Practice

Common applications:

Cartilage restoration procedures
Tendon and ligament pathology
Nonunions and osteotomies
Osteochondral and revision cases

Why Bone Marrow Concentrate?

Delivers:

Progenitor cells
Growth factors
Cytokines

Particularly useful in:

Borderline surgical candidates
Revision cases
Biologically compromised environments

The ANGEL System

Closed, automated centrifuge system
Allows customization of hematocrit and final product

Benefits:

Consistency and reproducibility
Ability to “dial in” biologic composition
Reduced variability in outcomes

The Vortex Needle

Designed for controlled, low-volume aspiration

Advantages:

Minimizes peripheral blood dilution
Improves cell concentration and biologic quality
More targeted aspiration technique

Closed-tip design:

Better consistency
Higher quality aspirate

Pearls:

Focus on proper aspiration technique
Use small-volume, targeted draws
Integrate BMAC early in surgical workflow
Train your team for efficiency

Pitfalls:

Poor aspirate technique
Overpromising outcomes to patients
Treating biologics as a cure-all

Future of Orthobiologics

Moving toward:

Indication-specific protocols
Standardized biologic formulations
More targeted applications by tissue type

Featured Guest

Dr. Spencer Stein – NYU Grossman School of Medicine, sports medicine surgeon specializing in arthroscopy and joint preservation

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Arthrex Team Physician Controversies 2026

Our Hosts:

Ashley Bassett, MD & Catherine Logan, MD, MBA / www.cosportsmedicine.com