Transverse process fracture
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Transverse process fractures are a common sequelae of trauma, although they are considered a minor and stable lumbar spine fracture. There is strong association between transverse process fractures and other traumatic injuries.
Pathology
Transverse process fracture most commonly occur 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.
Aetiology
- blunt trauma
- lateral flexion-extension injury
- psoas muscle avulsion
- Malgaigne pelvic fracture
Associations
Although a minor injury to the lumbar spine, transverse process fractures require major force:
- cervical transverse process fractures have a strong association with other cervical spine fractures 2
- approximately 35% (range 20-50%) of patients with lumbar transverse process fractures have hepatic and splenic injuries, genitourinary and diaphragmatic injuries 1
Radiographic features
CT is the modality of choice. Up to 60% of lumbar transverse process fractures identified on CT will be missed on plain radiographs 1.
-<li><a title="Malgaigne pelvic fracture" href="/articles/malgaigne-fracture">Malgaigne pelvic fracture</a></li>- +<li><a href="/articles/malgaigne-fracture">Malgaigne pelvic fracture</a></li>
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Image 4 CT (bone window) ( create )
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