Case study 99 - Schmorl’s node Schmorl’s nodes are herniations of nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc through the cartilaginous and bony endplate into the adjacent vertebra. Schmorl’s nodes are extremely common and are typically seen as incidental findings on radiographic imaging. In postmortem studies, it has been estimated that greater than 70% of the population has Schmorl’s nodes. Rarely, however, Schmorl’s nodes can be a cause of acute back pain and, even less often, radiculopathy.