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