
Spine Disorders
TERMINOLOGY (SYNONYMS)
INTRODUCTION The term Schmorl’s node refers to a small protrusion of
intervertebral disc material through a defect in the vertebral endplate. Each
vertebral body has an endplate on the top and the bottom. Each endplate surface
is covered by a layer of cartilage overlying bone. A Schmorl’s Node can develop
through a defect on the superior and/or the inferior endplate. Schmorl’s Nodes
usually develop at a weakened area of bone, usually a site where small blood
vessels penetrate the cartilage. Schmorl’s Nodes have many different causes and predisposing
factors. Any condition which increases susceptibility for disc material to
herniate through an area of weakened area of bone and cartilage can result in a
Schmorl’s Node. PREVALENCE Schmorl’s
nodes are very common. They occur more often in high weight bearing areas of
the spine such as the lumbar spine (low back) and the lower thoracic region
(mid back). They are often detected as incidental findings during spinal
imaging studies. Schmorl’s nodes
can be identified in up to 75% of all normal spines. Each vertebrae of the
spine has an endplate on the bottom and the top. Schmorl’s nodes occur more
often on the inferior endplate.
|