Korean J Pain.  2010 Dec;23(4):262-265. 10.3344/kjp.2010.23.4.262.

Rami Communicans Nerve Block for the Treatment of Symptomatic Schmorl's Nodes: A Case Report

• Jang JS
• Kwon HK
• Lee JJ
• Hwang SM
• Lim SY

• KMID: 1454711
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2010.23.4.262

Abstract

Histologically, Schmorl's nodes are defined as the loss of nuclear material through the cartilage plate, growth plate, and end plate into the vertebral body. Most Schmorl's nodes are asymptomatic, although there are some reports of symptomatic Schmorl's nodes, which should be treated similarly to vertebral compression fractures, with conservative treatment as the first choice. We report the case that we reduced the pain by blocking the ramus communicans nerve in a patient with Schmorl's node.

Keyword

ramus communicans nerve; Schmorl's node

MeSH Terms

Cartilage
Fractures, Compression
Growth Plate
Humans
Nerve Block

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Plain radiographs showing hyperostosis with marked bone spurs at all lumbar segments and a bone bridge at L2-3. (A) Anteroposterior view, (B) Lateral view.

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  Fig. 2 Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine shows a Schmorl's node at L4 with adjacent marrow edema. (A) Sagittal T1-weighted MRI. (B) Sagittal T2-weighted fat-suppression MRI.

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  Fig. 3 Fluoroscopic image during the rami communicans nerve block (lateral view).

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