Development of Acute Schmorl Nodes After Discography

Abstract

We report the development of acute Schmorl nodes at the L3-L4 intervertebral disc level after discography in a 36-year-old man. Although a few cases of acute Schmorl nodes have been reported in the literature, they have not been described because of discography. We surmise that the herniation of disc material through the vertebral endplates, with the ensuing formation of Schmorl nodes, should be regarded as a potential, but fortunately rare, complication of discography.