Shmorlya Coloring

Schmorl staining is one of the ways to detect herniated intervertebral discs by staining the spine with colored acid Schiff.

Based on an assessment of the intensity of the blue-green color around the intervertebral discs, this method allows one to determine the presence of a hernia and its location. Color interpretation is carried out in accordance with established standards. Typically, the more pronounced the coloring in people diagnosed, the more severe the hernia is suspected. However, the assessment of this method is not reliable and it is necessary to use additional diagnostic methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging. Schmorl's coloration got its name in honor of the famous German neurosurgeon Moses Schmorl'i.

The use of the Schmorl staining technique has no obvious indications or contraindications,