Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • August 30, 2022
Regenerating Cartilage in the Knee: Treatment Options

Cartilage is a key component in optimal joint function. As we age, common conditions like osteoarthritis can wear down the cartilage in our knee that helps cushion our joints, which can lead to pain. Injury or other stresses on the joints can similarly affect the amount of cartilage we have as well.


To combat this pain, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines or steroid shots. However, these treatment methods often only provide temporary relief and have the potential for long-term side effects. Total knee replacement is always the last resort, but luckily there are other treatment options to consider beforehand, including Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate and Biologic Augmented Microdrilling.


Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) is a fluid that can be prepared directly from your own bone marrow, which contains stem cells packed with anti-inflammatory proteins and growth factors. This fluid can be used to help the body regenerate tissue like cartilage.

The bone marrow needed for BMAC is easily harvested via a small needle in a large bone such as the pelvic bone. It is performed under local anesthesia for your comfort. Once withdrawn, the fluid is put through a special process using a centrifuge to concentrate the necessary cells and growth factors.


Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate has many uses within orthopedic medicine, including:

  • Healing bone fractures
  • Providing pain relief from osteoarthritis
  • Improving the health of damaged tendons or cartilage.


Biologic Augmented Microdrilling (BAM)

Biologic Augmented Microdrilling (BAM) is an arthroscopic procedure that involves drilling small holes in the bone surrounding damaged or worn out cartilage. This allows local stem cells to easily be delivered to the site via biologic injections like Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate. Other examples of biologic injections include:


Cartilage Regeneration in Baton Rouge

Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Joseph Broyles has been treating patients suffering from osteoarthritis since 2011 with Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) and Biologic Augmented Microdrilling (BAM). He has published his technique and patient results in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Broyles offers a range of treatment options from in-office injections to BMAC augmented surgeries.


If you’re injured or have been diagnosed with meniscus degeneration or osteoarthritis and are looking to avoid total knee replacement, a treatment at the Cartilage Regeneration Center at Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge may be an option for you.

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

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • April 1, 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. Christopher Belleau is transitioning to The Neuromedical Center in Baton Rouge.  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 .
Dr. Gerard Murtagh to Retire After Distinguished Career in Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Gerard Murtagh to Retire After Distinguished Career in Orthopedic Surgery

By The Bone & Joint Clinic • March 10, 2025
Dr. Gerard Murtagh will retire from Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge on March 12, 2025, after a long and distinguished career dedicated to advancing orthopedic surgery.
Recognizing the Signs That You May Need a Joint Replacement

Recognizing the Signs That You May Need a Joint Replacement

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • February 12, 2025
Sometimes, joint replacement is the best course of action, even when conservative measures like medicine, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes might be helpful. Knowing when a joint replacement is necessary can help you take prompt action and improve your quality of life.
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