Surreal illustration comparing single and multi-site bone marrow harvesting.

Single-Site vs. Multiple-Site Bone Marrow Harvesting: Which Method Minimizes Pain and Delivers Quality?

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study investigates if single-site bone marrow aspiration, with needle redirection, offers a less painful yet equally effective alternative to multi-site harvesting for regenerative treatments."

Bone marrow concentrate (BMC) is increasingly used as a promising alternative treatment in orthopedics, particularly for its regenerative properties. The effectiveness of BMC is closely linked to the number of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) present in the graft. Harvesting techniques significantly affect MSC counts in bone marrow aspirate (BMA).

The crucial question remains: Which aspiration method optimizes cellular yield while ensuring patient comfort and minimizing risks? Balancing these factors is essential for a safe and effective aspiration technique that can maximize the therapeutic potential of BMC.

A controlled laboratory and cohort study was conducted to compare single- versus multiple-site bone marrow aspiration techniques. The primary goal was to determine which method generates a sufficient volume of high-quality BMA for concentration into a BMC graft, all while monitoring the level of pain experienced by the patient.

Single-Site Aspiration: Less Pain, Same Quality?

Surreal illustration comparing single and multi-site bone marrow harvesting.

In this study, researchers compared two bone marrow harvesting methods: a single-site technique with needle redirection and a multiple-site technique. Six participants underwent bilateral bone marrow aspiration, with each technique performed on opposite sides of the posterior iliac crest. BMA and BMC samples were analyzed for various cellular components, including white blood cells, total nucleated cells, and MSCs. Pain scores were monitored during and after the procedure.

The results showed no significant difference in cell ratios between the single- and multiple-site groups. Both aspiration techniques provided ample colony-forming units with similar appearance. MSC numbers were also comparable between the two methods.

Comparable Cell Yields: Both single-site and multiple-site techniques yielded similar cell ratios and colony-forming units.
MSC Numbers: No significant difference in mesenchymal stem cell counts between the two methods.

Interestingly, the single-insertion site technique was significantly less painful for patients, both during the procedure and 24 hours after aspiration. This suggests that a high-quality bone marrow aspirate is possible with a single-stick aspiration method, offering a more comfortable experience for patients.

The Bottom Line: Prioritizing Patient Comfort in Bone Marrow Harvesting

This study highlights that a single-insertion method can produce final cellular concentrations and culture results comparable to a multiple-insertion method. Crucially, the single-insertion site technique significantly reduces pain during and after the procedure.

For patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration, this research suggests that a single-stick approach is a viable option that minimizes discomfort without compromising the quality of the aspirate.

As regenerative medicine continues to evolve, prioritizing patient comfort alongside clinical efficacy will drive the adoption of less invasive yet equally effective techniques in bone marrow harvesting.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1177/2325967117724398, Alternate LINK

Title: Single- Versus Multiple-Site Harvesting Techniques For Bone Marrow Concentrate: Evaluation Of Aspirate Quality And Pain

Subject: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Journal: Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Authors: Kristin Oliver, Tariq Awan, Matthew Bayes

Published: 2017-08-01

Everything You Need To Know

Why is bone marrow concentrate (BMC) important in orthopedic treatments?

Bone marrow concentrate (BMC) is used in orthopedics as a regenerative treatment. Its effectiveness relies on the number of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the graft. This study aimed to find an aspiration method that maximizes cellular yield while minimizing patient discomfort and risks, which are crucial for effective BMC.

How did researchers compare single-site and multiple-site bone marrow aspiration techniques in the study?

The study compared single-site bone marrow aspiration (with needle redirection) to multi-site aspiration. Six participants underwent both procedures on opposite sides of their posterior iliac crest. Researchers analyzed bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and BMC samples, assessing white blood cells, total nucleated cells, and MSCs, while also monitoring pain levels.

What were the key findings regarding cell yields and pain levels when comparing single-site and multiple-site bone marrow aspiration?

The study found no significant difference in cell ratios between the two methods. Both single-site and multiple-site techniques yielded similar colony-forming units, and MSC numbers were comparable. However, the single-insertion site technique was significantly less painful for patients during and after the procedure.

What are the implications of this study's findings for patient comfort during bone marrow harvesting?

The single-insertion site technique reduces pain during and after the procedure, while still producing final cellular concentrations and culture results comparable to the multiple-insertion method. This means that high-quality bone marrow aspirate is possible with a single-stick aspiration method, offering a more comfortable experience for patients.

What other factors, beyond cell counts and pain, could be considered when evaluating bone marrow harvesting techniques?

While the study focused on cell counts, colony-forming units and pain, further research could explore other factors like procedure time, infection risk, and long-term patient outcomes. Understanding these aspects would give a more complete view of single-site versus multi-site bone marrow harvesting.