Schmorl nodes are herniations of intervertebral disc tissue into the vertebral body.
Imaging
Schmorl nodes are best evaluated on a sagittal MRI scan. Symptomatic Schmorl nodes are usually acute and differ on MRI from chronic, asymptomatic Schmorl nodes[^1].
Classification of Schmorl nodes based on MRI signal intensity compared with the surrounding bone marrow[^2]:
Schmorl nodes | ||
Symptomatic (acute) | Hypointense | Hyperintense |
Asymptomatic (chronic) | Hyperintense | Hypointense |
