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Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • August 7, 2018
Knee Replacement Alternative: Biologic Augmented Microdrilling (BAM)

It may be called total knee replacement (TKR) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but no matter which name you use, the ultimate goal of knee replacement surgery is the same: Bring relief to those suffering debilitating knee pain. Most often, this pain is the direct result of osteoarthritis, or degenerative arthritis. This particular form of arthritis is by far the most common and occurs when the cartilage that serves as a protective buffer in the joints wears down over time. It can occur in any weight-bearing joint, but it most often affects the knee.


How is a Knee Replacement Performed?

Traditional knee replacement surgery is a major procedure requiring ample downtime and a hospital stay that generally lasts for a couple of days. It is performed via an incision that will be 6 to 10 inches in length. During the surgery, damaged portions of the knee joint are removed and replaced with an artificial joint.

Overall, knee replacements are largely successful, with the artificial joint lasting for several years and patients reporting significant improvements in pain. However, every major surgical procedure carries risk, and the goal of treatment should always be to remain as minimally invasive as possible, with replacement being a last resort option.


What is Biologic Augmented Microdrilling (BAM)?

Since 2011, Dr. Joseph Broyles has implemented a revolutionary, minimally invasive treatment technique for cartilage degeneration of the knee known as biologic augmented microdrilling (BAM). BAM is an outpatient procedure that infuses the damaged knee cartilage with stem cells derived from bone marrow to promote regeneration and improve symptomatic pain and stiffness. 


BAM accomplishes the goal of cartilage healing via stem cells through a specialized process that begins with the initial microdrilling surgery. During this time, small holes are drilled in bone surrounding the site of cartilage damage. Then, an injection of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (including stem cells), platelet rich plasma and hyaluronic acid is given. These injections will continue over the course of the following year at varying intervals. Post-operative physical therapy and use of a continuous passive motion machine are also used to help promote healing.


What are the Benefits of BAM?

Not only is BAM less invasive than total knee replacement, it is delivering exceptional results in knee function and mobility. Major benefits of the procedure include:

  • Healing promoted through use of the body’s own stem cells and naturally occurring substances
  • Rare occurrence of complications such as infection or blood clots
  • Continued healing and improvement for years following surgery
  • Ideal for younger patients with cartilage degeneration who are not yet candidates for total knee replacement


BAM at Cartilage Regeneration Center

Dr. Broyles of Cartilage Regeneration Center at the Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge is the leader in the development and implementation of the BAM technique. Dr. Broyles has completed and published results from a clinical trial studying patient outcomes after BAM. Based on nearly 10 years of experience with bone marrow concentrate for cartilage regeneration, Dr. Broyles has continued to improve and expand upon the BAM technique to better treat the full range of cartilage disease in the knee. To learn more about BAM and the full range of treatments available at the Cartilage Regeneration Center, contact our office to request an appointment.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BAM
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Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • January 30, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Zachary Rohr and Christopher Belleau will also transition their practice to a new location effective March 31, 2025. We will update our patients once those details are finalized. Dr. Gerard Murtagh of The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will be retiring effective March 2025. Dr. Murtagh has been a vital part of the clinic since 1988 and has significantly contributed to its success. We thank Dr. Murtagh for his many years of service to the patients of Bone & Joint Clinic. Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
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