Infected Schmorl's node: A case report

Abstract

Background: Schmorls node (SN) are mostly asymptomatic and incidental findings on MRI. However, sometimes they present like acute onset low back pain or acute exacerbation of chronic back pain after minor trauma. Case presentation: We present rare case of symptomatic infected SN in 67 years female patient presented with complains of low back pain radiating to right buttock. After initial conservative treatment failed subsequent imaging showed significant increase in size of lesion with focal signal changes in disc space gave suspicion of underlying secondary pathology. Patient operated for complete excision of lesion. Histopathological report was suggestive of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis. Patient improved well postoperatively. Conclusion: Most of the time acute SN responds well to conservative treatment; however rapid deterioration of symptoms or persistent severe pain should give suspicion of underlying secondary pathology.