Schmorl's nodes

Schmorl's nodes are protrusions of the cartilage of the intervertebral disc through the vertebral body endplate and into the adjacent vertebra. The nodes are named after Christian Georg Schmorl, a German pathologist, who first described them in 1927.

Causes

Schmorl's nodes can occur as a result of congenital weakness in the endplate, but are more commonly associated with trauma or heavy lifting. They are also seen in conditions that weaken the endplate, such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and hyperparathyroidism.

Symptoms

Most Schmorl's nodes do not cause symptoms. However, in some cases, they can cause back pain or neurological symptoms if they compress the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Diagnosis

Schmorl's nodes are typically diagnosed through imaging studies, such as X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. They appear as small, round or oval defects in the endplate, filled with disc material.

Treatment

Treatment for Schmorl's nodes is usually conservative, focusing on pain management and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

See also

• Intervertebral disc
• Vertebra
• Back pain
• Spinal cord
• Nerve roots
• X-ray
• MRI
• CT scan
• Surgery

Schmorl's nodes Resources
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