title: Transverse posterior element fractures associated with torsion.
abstract: Six examples of a previously undescribed class of transverse vertebral element fractures are presented. These fractures differ from Chance and Smith fractures and their variants in the following respects: (1) the etiology is torsion and not flexion; (2) there is neither distraction of posterior ring fragments nor posterior ligament tears; (3) in contrast to Chance and Smith fractures, extension of the fracture into the vertebral body is absent or minimal; (4) the transverse process of the lumbar vertebra is avulsed at its base with a vertical fracture, not split horizontally. These fractures occur in cervical, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae in normal or compromised areas of the spine.
authors.affiliation: Diagnostic Radiology Department, Stanford University Medical School, California.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Abel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012447:Sacrum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000503:physiopathology; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013314:Stress, Mechanical