Acta pathologica japonica
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Acta pathologica japonica · Jun 1988
Comparative StudySchmorl's nodes. Correlation of X-ray and histological findings in postmortem specimens.
Histological examinations were conducted on specimens of 368 intervertebral discs (T11/12-L5/S1), using X-ray photography and discography. Specimens were obtained from 61 individuals (36 males and 25 females) whose ages ranged from 25 to 85 years. Fifty-four Schmorl's nodes were found in 28 of the patients (19 males and 9 females), and in 43 discs. ⋯ Among these discs, 10 showed a limited form of shadow and 25 showed a diffuse form, and Schmorl's nodes were detected in 11 that showed a diffuse form of shadow. It was possible to detect Schmorl's nodes when they were contiguous with a degenerated annulus fibrosus adjoining the nuclear cavity. Pathogenetically, the presence of Schmorl's nodes in patients of middle and advanced age is interpreted to be one of the symptoms of age-related changes in the cartilaginous plate.