Transverse fracture

Transverse fractures are complete fractures that traverse the bone perpendicular to the axis of the bone. The fracture involves the cortex circumferentially and there may be displacement.

The term is predominantly used in the context of fractures of long bones although other types of bones may have transverse fractures, e.g. transverse fracture of the temporal bone.

Transverse fractures of long bones are at risk of displacement, like any other long bone fracture.

Fractures