Abstract
Background
The Schmorl’s nodes (SNs) are defined as the herniation of the intervertebral disc into the vertebral body. Endplate fractures around the Schmorl’s node could result in severe back pain that is similar to vertebral compression fractures. The objective of this study was to prospectively analyze the surgical effectiveness and safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for endplate fractures around the SNs.
Methods
Seventy-one consecutive patients with the fresh endplate fracture around SNs from October 2017 to February 2018 were enrolled in this study. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores of low back pain were evaluated in all patients preoperatively, postoperatively, and at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year after primary single level PVP. Surgery-related data including duration of the operation, injected cement volumes, and surgical complications were recorded.
Results
Sixty-five patients with fresh endplate fractures around the SNs were treated successfully via percutaneous vertebroplasty. Our study showed that the VAS scores and ODI scores of patients were obviously improved after operation. Cement leakage into the disc space occurred in 5 patients (7.7%), and adjacent segment refractures occurred in 2 patients (3.1%). No other surgical complications, including infections or nerve root injuries were encountered.
Conclusions
Based on the results of this prospective study, PVP was an effective and safe procedure for endplate fractures around the SNs.
Trial registration
ChiCTR, ChiCTR1800016453. Registered 2 June 2018—retrospectively registered,
http://www.chictr.org.cn/com/25/historyversionpuben.aspx?regno=ChiCTR1800017602
Medico-legal Conclusions Caused by Misevaluation of the Schmorl’s Node, Which is Rarely Seen in Children (Case Report)
