Schmorl's Nodes - Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Schmorl's nodes can be detected with x-ray, although they can be imaged better by CT or MRI. Schmorl's Nodes are considered to be vertical disc herniations through the cartilaginous vertebral body endplates. They can sometimes be seen radiographically, however they are more often seen on MRI, even when not visible on plain film x-ray. They may or may not be symptomatic, and their etiological significance for back pain is controversial. In a recent study in Spine by Hamanishi, et al.,1 Schmorl's nodes were observed on MRI in 19% of 400 patients with back pain, and in only 9% of an asymptomatic control group.. The authors concluded that Schmorl's nodes are areas of "vertical disc herniation" through areas of weakness in the endplate.