American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What describes a transverse fracture?

1. Breaks shaft of a bone diagonally

2. Breaks shaft of a bone across its longitudinal axis

3. Involves twisting stress on the bone

4. Occurs at the joint of two bones

The correct answer is: Breaks shaft of a bone across its longitudinal axis

A transverse fracture is characterized by a break that runs directly across the shaft of a bone, at a right angle to its long axis. This specific orientation distinguishes a transverse fracture from other types, such as oblique or spiral fractures, which occur at an angle or involve twisting forces, respectively. The terminology used to define a transverse fracture indicates that the fracture line penetrates the bone horizontally, thus creating two distinct fragments of bone that remain aligned on the longitudinal axis. This is significant clinically because it can influence treatment approaches, healing times, and the potential for complications. Understanding the nature of different types of fractures, including their orientation and characteristics, is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning in orthopedic practice.