Schmorl Nodes of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine: Radiographic-Pathologic Study of Prevalence, Characterization, and Correlation with Degenerative Changes of 1,650 Spinal Levels in 100 Cadavers

Abstract

Schmorl nodes are common in the spines in an elderly population, with a frequency similar to that in a younger population. Schmorl nodes are associated with moderate but not advanced degenerative changes. Geometric observations regarding the vertebral endplates support the concept that Schmorl nodes are caused by an abnormality of the discovertebral junction.