How serious is a transverse process fracture?
Fractures of the transverse process are associated with other injuries as major forces are usually involved (about 35% also suffer injury to the liver, spleen, diaphragm or genitourinary system such as a torn ureter). Anyone having symptoms involving the abdomen, bladder or bowel needs urgent medical assessment.
How do you treat a transverse fracture?
It can be treated at home with rest and medicine for pain and swelling. A back brace (called TSLO) or abdominal binder may be prescribed to reduce pain by limiting motion at the fracture site. After the healing time, you will be advised to gradually return to normal activities over the next 3 or 4 weeks.
How can transverse fractures occur?
A transverse fracture occurs when a bone breaks at a 90-degree angle to the long axis of the bone. This typically occurs when a blow transmits a large amount of force directly perpendicular to the bone. Transverse fractures require an orthopedic trauma surgeon. Oblique fracture.
Where are transverse fractures common?
Transverse process fracture most commonly occurs in the upper lumbar spine and are commonly multiple 2. The fracture line can extend into the transverse foramen, and in the cervical spine there is a risk of complicating vertebral artery dissection.
Do transverse process fractures require surgery?
That vast majority of cases do not need surgery, and you may be able to recover with rest and gradual increases in physical therapy and range of motion exercises. Some doctors also recommend soft back braces to help protect the spine and limit movement while the transverse process heals.
Are transverse process fractures painful?
These fractures can happen at any place in the spinal column. They may cause: Severe pain that may be worse when moving. Swelling and bruising.
What is a broken transverse process?
A transverse process fracture occurs when part of the protrusion is cracked. It’s not a super common injury because a couple of different factors and forces typically need to occur in order for the transverse process to fracture, and the area is usually well-protected by muscles in the area.
What does a transverse fracture mean?
A transverse fracture is when the fracture line is perpendicular to the shaft (long part) of the bone. An oblique fracture is when the break is on an angle through the bone. A pathologic fracture is caused by a disease that weakens the bone. A stress fracture is a hairline crack.
What connects the transverse process to the body?
The lamina is the part of the vertebra that connects the spinous process and the transverse process.
What attaches to transverse process?
Transverse process is a small bony projection off the right and left side of each vertebrae. The two transverse processes of each vertebrae function as the site of attachment for muscles and ligaments of the spine as well as the point of articulation of the ribs (in the thoracic spine).
What does the transverse process do?
