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Schmorl’s nodes: demystification road of endplate defects—a critical review

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Abstract

Background

Schmorl’s nodes (SN) were the first vertebral endplate defects described. Debate continues about their epidemiology, physiopathology, and clinical significance. The purpose of this work was to summarize and discuss available literature about SN.

Methods

We have searched for relevant papers about SN until April 2020, with 104 articles have been reviewed.

Results

More than half of the available literature described the epidemiological aspects of SN or reported rare clinical presentations and treatment options. The lack of a consensual definition of SN, among other endplate defects, contributed to difficulties in literature results’ interpretation. Summing up, SN is a frequent vertebral defect at the thoracolumbar juncture, with ethnic and gender influence. Lumbar Schmorl’s nodes were frequently associated with disc degenerative disease and back pain. Their physiopathology remains unknown. However, strain energy changes in the spine along with morphological aspects of the vertebra, the genetic background, and the osteoimmunology may constitute possible clues. New SN could be confused in malignancy context with bone metastasis. The literature describes some imaging techniques to differentiate them, avoiding invasive approaches. Treatment options for rare painful presentations remain few with low evidence. Further studies are needed to establish a consensual definition for SN, understand clinical aspects, and provide adequate therapeutic strategies.

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  1. Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Mohammed VI University Hospital of Oujda, Université Mohammed Premier, Oujda, Morocco

    Hamida Azzouzi & Linda Ichchou

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  1. Hamida Azzouzi
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HA: Conception/design/analysis/interpretation of data, Drafting and critically revising the work, Final approval of the version to be published, Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work. LI: Conception/design/analysis/interpretation of data, Drafting and critically revising the work, Final approval of the version to be published, Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

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Correspondence to Hamida Azzouzi.

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Azzouzi, H., Ichchou, L. Schmorl’s nodes: demystification road of endplate defects—a critical review. Spine Deform 10, 489–499 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43390-021-00445-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43390-021-00445-w

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