Schmorl's nodes

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Overview
Schmorl's nodes are protrusions of the cartilage of the intervertebral disc through the vertebral body endplate and into the adjacent vertebra.

Presentation
The protrusions may contact the marrow of the vertebra, leading to inflammation. The protrusions are also associated with necrosis of the vertebral bone and the question of whether these protrusions and inflammation cause the necrosis, or whether the cartilage migrates into areas that have become necrotic due to other conditions, is under investigation.

They may or may not be symptomatic, and their etiological significance for back pain is controversial.

Diagnosis
Schmorl's nodes can be detected radiographically, although they can be imaged better by CT or MRI.

Causes
It is believed that Schmorl's nodes develop following back trauma, although this is incompletely understood.

Other reports indicate someone can be born with Schmorl's nodes.

Incidence/prevalence
Schmorl's nodes are found in 40 - 75% of autopsies.

Eponym
Schmorl's nodes are named for German pathologist Christian Georg Schmorl (1861-1932).