Schmorl's nodes in a historic adult skeletal sample (19th to 20th centuries): An analysis of age, sex and occupation

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study explores the interplay between age-at-death, sex and occupation and the presence, location and severity of Schmorl’s nodes. MaterialsVertebral columns of 327 individuals, 180 (55.1%) males and 147 (44.9%) females, with age-at-death between 20 and 65 years old, with known occupation. MethodsSchmorl’s nodes were recorded as present/absent and by location and severity. ResultsIn this sample, 58.7% (192/327) of individuals were affected by Schmorl’s nodes, 75.6% (136/180) were males and 38.1% (56/147) were females, with statistically significant differences (p=0.000). Schmorl’s nodes were most commonly found on the T7-L2 (77.1% of all Schmorl’s nodes) vertebrae and at the center (73.4%) of the vertebral body surface. Age and occupational categories did not correlate with prevalence, quantity or severity. ConclusionsMales appear more prone to develop Schmorl's nodes than females. In this study, the prevalence of Schmorl’s nodes does not increase with age, nor with the type of occupation held by males. SignificanceThis study rejects the purported associations between prevalence of Schmorl’s nodes and age and physical stress. LimitationsIt is unknown whether individuals had the same occupation throughout their lives or for how long they performed it. Additionally, it is impossible to access when the individual developed the Schmorl’s node. Suggestions for further researchEvaluate the onset of Schmorl’s nodes in individuals under 20 and explore possible links between vertebral morphology and the occurrence of Schmorl’s nodes.