Schmorl's nodes supposedly have an etiology in intervertebral disk rupture or hernia. In the bioarchaeological literature their presence is usually analysed in connection with degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritic changes on the vertebral bodies. Moreover, these nodes are regarded as a stress indicator suggestive for the physical activity performed by the individual in the course of his/her lifetime. If you wish, I could send you further reading on this subject and examples of published cases.

Thank you!  

My e-mail address is [email protected]

Sorin

First of all you have to define the term Schmorl node. There are several theories how they develop: 1) They are exclusively associated with Scheuermann disease and describe defects occuring with osteonecrosis of the apophysis of the vertebra. 2) defects of the vertebral endplate due to fracture and protrusion of disc into the bone. The latter is in my opinion not a true Schmorl node. Because when you come from pediatric radiology you learn to know that "truel" Schmorl nodes are in the anterior half of the vertebral body.  Hence the so often called Schmorl nodes are simply degenerative changes. So the use of the term Schmorl node is ambiguous and by far not clearly used.

Dear Charlotte and Olaf,

I am also interested in this topic. I would be interested, if possible, to obtain some literature about the way how the morphology of the vertebrae influences the Schmorl nodes, but also about their connection with the Scheuermann disease. Could you possibly help me? Thank you in advance.

Alexandra

Hi there, there is a very well known book in pediatric orthopedics by F. Hefti. Please find enclosed the link to google books. https://books.google.ch/books?id=nR7JAWa5K7UC&pg=PA101&lpg=PA101&dq=Hefti+Scheuermann&source=bl&ots=Jv1W64vpH7&sig=y1wFw_CiPdOLEPG_x6Fyj2PTltY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=9V_CVLvnLcq3UbvOgpAI&ved=0CB8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Hefti%20Scheuermann&f=false. Go to Page 95 there it is in German, possibly you can use tranlsator or try to find the english version.

Dear Olaf, Thank you for  your kindness. I will take a look. I know a little bit German, but I am not too goo with the German terminology.  I will manage anyway. All my best wishes.

Alexandra

Schmorl's Nodes are exceedingly rare in apes but prevalent humans of all ages, especially large males. Often associated with back pain but are also common in asymptomatic controls, so little may be said regarding your archaeological population in terms of behavior or limiting behavior.  It is a heritable condition, tending to occur more often in cases of spinal deformity, specifically Scheuermann's disease. Minor onset early in life predisposes individuals to the developmental defect that manifests into Schmorl’s node, which potentially may be exacerbated via trauma (especially rotational torsion strain). The nodes most often affect lower thoracics and upper lumbars, with a focal point between T11 and L1.  

Dear Charlotte,

Thank you for the the further directions. I know there is a lot of literature about this topic and I also have some of it.

Dear Mark,

Thank you for the interesting information. I found the Schmorl nodes also in other parts of the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine. In some cases they had large dimensions, if I remember well, close to 2 cm in length.