Association between endplate angulation,cobbs angle and schmorl node in patient lumbar spine MRI

In 1927, pathologist Christian Georg Schmorl described a specific type of vertebral lesion, seen primarily in the thoracolumbar spine, which is now known as Schmorl’s node (SN). Unlike the better-known horizontal disc herniations into the spinal canal or neural foramina, SNs are herniation of nucleus pulposus (NP) through the cartilaginous and bony endplate into the body of an adjacent vertebra. It has been reported that multiple SNs are highly associated with lumbar disc disease and lower back pain. A number of theories have been proposed in an attempt to explain the pathogenesis of SNs; however, no consensus currently exists. Some researchers view SNs as a developmental disease, while others see SNs as a degenerative bone disease. Yet, many researchers believe that one of the reasons of behind the SN pathology include weakening of the disc and vertebral body.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study aims to find out an association between schmorl’s nodes and endplate angulations on Lumbar spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

METHOD

This was a Cross-Sectional study carried out at Northwest General Hospital Peshawar. This was study of 6 months with a population of 148 patients with Low Back Pain out of which only 44 patients are reported with SNs. Data was collected by Prospective and Retrospective Study and analyzed by using SPSS version 22.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded from this study that many of SNs were observed in patients at various lumbar spine levels, and females were seen more affected by SNs than males. SNs were found to have affected more people with L3 and L2 lumber levels.

RESULTS