Schmorl's nodes

These protusions are now known as Schmorl's nodes.

Protrusions of the disc into the adjacent vertebra are known as Schmorl's nodes.

Schmorl's Nodes are considered to be vertical disc herniations through the cartilaginous vertebral body endplates.

Schmorl's nodes are fairly common, especially with minor degeneration of the aging spine, but they are also seen in younger spines.

Schmorl's nodes are also caused by herniation of the nucleus pulposus but that appears more centrally of a vertebra.

The authors concluded that Schmorl's nodes are areas of "vertical disc herniation" through areas of weakness in the endplate.

While often non-complicating, Schmorl's nodes also tend to occur more often in cases of spinal deformity, specifically Scheuermann's disease.

Schmorl's nodes can be detected with x-ray, although they can be imaged better by CT or MRI.

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

Schmorl's nodes often cause no symptoms, but may simply reflect that "wear and tear" of the spine has occurred over time; they may also reflect that bone strength was at one time somewhat compromised, perhaps due to a vitamin D deficiency, although this has yet to be confirmed with studies.