Further knowledge on Schmorl′s node formation:a case report / 第二军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective:To further study the pathogenesis of classic Schm orl′s nodes based on clinical practice.Methods:A patient with severe low back pain was found that the irregularity of the endplates and the presence of Schm orl′s nodes in L2 - 3 and L3- 4spaces in lumbar radiographs.Two painful intervertebral discs with Schm orl′s nodes in their superior or inferior endplates were identified by discography and pain provocation.Two foci of Schnorl′s nodes were rem oved in en bloc via a retroperitoneal approach for histological examination.Meanwhile,anterior intervetebral body fusion of painful discs were undertaken.Results:The radiographic manifestation of Schmorl′s nodes was the end- plate indentation.Schmorl′s nodes in CT scan was shown as a round- like or multicystic irregular zone of bone density with an indistinct sclerotic margin beneath the cartilaginous endplate,which was sim ilar to the typical CT changes of osteonecrosis.The histological examinations of en bloc slices of Schm orl′s nodes revealed subchondral osteonecrosis.Conclusion:The current study indicate classic Schm orl′s node shown in radiograph is osteonecrosis zone beneath cartilaginous endplate,suggesting the necessity of further study on Schmorl′s node form ation. [