Schmorl's nodes
Schmorl's nodes
Schmorl's nodes (pronounced: shmôrlz nōdz) are protrusions of the intervertebral disc material into the vertebral body. They are named after the German pathologist Christian Georg Schmorl who first described them.
Etymology
The term "Schmorl's nodes" is named after Christian Georg Schmorl (1861–1932), a German pathologist. He was the first to describe these nodes in detail in his work on spinal pathology.
Definition
Schmorl's nodes are small, typically asymptomatic, herniations of the intervertebral disc material. They protrude into the vertebral body, which is the large, roundish part of the vertebra. These nodes are often discovered incidentally during radiographic exams of the spine.
Symptoms
While Schmorl's nodes are typically asymptomatic, they can occasionally cause pain if they are large or if they occur in a certain location. The pain is usually localized to the area of the node.
Causes
The exact cause of Schmorl's nodes is not known. However, they are often associated with conditions that cause degeneration of the intervertebral disc, such as aging, trauma, or certain diseases like osteoporosis.
Diagnosis
Schmorl's nodes are usually diagnosed through imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI scans. They appear as small indentations or defects in the vertebral body on these images.
Treatment
Treatment for Schmorl's nodes is typically conservative and focuses on managing any associated pain. This can include pain medication, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Schmorl's nodes
- Wikipedia's article - Schmorl's nodes
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