Tranverse Process Fracture 805

synonyms: TP fracture

Tranverse Process Fracture ICD-9

• 805  Fracture of vertebral column without mention of spinal cord injury
  

Tranverse Process Fracture Etiology / Epidemiology / Natural History

• Generally caused by direct trauma or avulsions from intense muscular contraction.
• Associated with football and other collision sports.

Tranverse Process Fracture Anatomy

Tranverse Process Fracture Clinical Evaluation

• Tenderness over the affected transvere process. May have scoliosis or a relative kyphosisshortness from trying to find a comfortable position.
• Occasional shortness of breath or painful respirations.

Tranverse Process Fracture Xray / Diagnositc Tests

• A/P and lateral views of the affected level of the spine indicated.
• CT scan indicated to rule out associated spinal fractures

Tranverse Process Fracture Classification / Treatment

• Isolated Transverse process fracture: CT scan indicated to rule out associated injury. If CT confirms isolated injury lateral flexion/extension views are indicated to rule out dynamic instability. If normal mobilize as tolerated. Initial cold therapy followed by a program of tissue massage, moist heat, and stretching starting at 24-48 hours. Consider antispasmodic medications.
• Transverse process fracture with associated spine injury: treatment is determined per associated injury.

Tranverse Process Fracture Associated Injuries / Differential Diagnosis

• Intraabdominal injury
• Spine fracture
• Nerve root avulsion at the same level

Tranverse Process Fracture Complications

• Misssed associated abdominal / spine injury.

Tranverse Process Fracture Follow-up Care

• Symptomatic. No bracing or activity restrictions are required for isolated TP fractures.
• Consider protection of the area to avoid repeated trauma in athletes. Consider a flak jacket or simple padding in a football players.
• Return to sport: when patient has normal painfree thoracic motion.

Tranverse Process Fracture Review References

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