SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Symptoms are often absent. If symptoms do occur, pain and or stiffness at the involved spinal segment are common complaints. Schmorl’s nodes often represent incidental findings noted on spinal imaging studies. If the node occurs as the result of acute trauma there will likely be associated pain.

CAUSES

Any condition which places abnormal loads or stress on to the top or bottom surface of a vertebral body increases the risk for failure of the endplate cartilage and underlying bone. This can lead to herniation of the adjacent disc into the vertebral body. Any condition which renders the cartilage and/or underlying bone of the vertebral body weak will also increases the risk for developing a Schmorl’s node. In young individuals the intervertebral disc is more resistant to mechanical failiure at the adjacent bony and vertebral endplate.

RISK FACTORS

Risk factors for developing a Schmorl’s node include:

• Developmentally abnormal vertebral body
• Vertebral trauma or excessive physical strain on the vertebral endplate during childhood or adolescence
• Childhood obesity
• Endplate weakness due to Scheuermann’s disease
• Repetitive stress on a weakened vertebral endplate
• Osteoporosis
• Vertebral body neoplasm
• Disc and/or vertebral body infection
• Microvascular malformation at the site of the endplate
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Severe scoliosis