Corduroy sign (vertebral hemangioma)

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 5 Apr 2021

The corduroy sign refers to vertically-oriented, thickened trabeculae seen in intraosseous hemangiomas of the spine. It is the sagittal and coronal equivalent of the polka-dot sign seen on axial imaging. 

It is caused by the replacement of the normal cancellous bone by thickened vertical trabeculae surrounded by fat marrow or vascular lacunae in intraosseous hemangiomas 2.​ It is also known as the jail bar sign.

History and etymology

The sign is well-named as the appearance mimics the appearance of corduroy cloth, commonly used for trousers/pants.

Differential diagnosis

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